Facts and Figures For Back Pain Back

Pain to some extent, affects four out of five people in the western world. That’s a heck of a lot of people at any given time suffering from some form of pain, (even if it’s only minor)!

Every day in the UK more than 50,000 people consult their GP about their back problem and within a weekly period that figure adds up to the size of a smallish town. 

Back pain is now catching up with the common cold as the most frequent complaint of the British public and despite the increase of labour saving devices etc, the incidence of back pain has doubled within the last 10 years.

It costs the NHS nearly £500 million pounds a year to treat patients complaining of back pain, and British industry loses nearly 6 billion pounds due to the absenteeism of their workers. This totals more than a mind boggling 119 million days lost annually.

The age of sufferers is lowering. There are now a growing number in the 16-24 age groups with around one in three young people periodically unfit for work because they complain of a back problem.

It is also suggested there is little evidence that some traditional treatments such as acupuncture or lumber supports are effective in the treatment of back problems.

Most back pain is not the result of serious injury, but sprains, strains minor injuries and general wear and tear, (and the older you get, the more likelihood it will be wear and tear).

How many times have you been told that the best cure for your bad back is to: 

•Take to your bed for several days

•Lay on a hard surface i.e. put a door under your mattress

•Buy an orthopaedic mattress, health bed etc.

This is the wrong advice…

Scientific studies within the last few years suggest the best way to treat your bad back is to take a pain killer and keep on moving, because if you do stop moving, you will get stiff and the pain gets worse.

Staying in bed often compounds back pain problems In many cases, lying flat can worsen your back condition because your muscles may start to atrophy causing further stresses and strains when you attempt to get up the next day.

So it’s sensible if you suffer with chronic and acute lower back pain to try and continue with your daily life as much as possible, though obviously you need to be sensible and take it steady.

You should be careful when exercising, back stretches and flexing exercises can sometimes do more harm than good so it’s important your back problem is assessed correctly before starting any of these types of exercise.

Many chronic back conditions are caused by sprains of the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine. Inflammation of the joints between your vertebrae or even a prolapsed disc can also be to blame.

You may then find pain often spreads into other parts of the body such as your legs and groin causing or worsening problems such as sciatica.

Studies show spinal manipulation by osteopath’s and chiropractors etc can often provide short term relief in these types of back pain so it may be worth your while finding a really good practitioner.

Low back pain advice Randomised trials have shown advice given to stay active lead to a faster return to work, so continue your ordinary activities as much as you’re able.

Again it’s been proved the less time you have off sick, the more chance you have of being able to resume your job, so even if you hate the thought of it, try and go back to work.

Be sensible and if your job involves lots of lifting, bending etc, ask your boss if you can have lighter duties. I would be surprised if they said no if it is a choice between having you at work or off sick.

Tips for reducing back pain

•Maintain a good posture at all times. Keep your back straight and your head up especially when lifting, as incorrect lifting can harm your back.

•Always bend your knees when stooping to pick something up and don't bend at the waist.

•A lot of problems start with poor posture. When sitting, choose a firm backed chair and sit with your buttocks to the back of it so your back will naturally fall properly into the backrest. If sitting in a chair without a backrest, try and sit up straight.

•Avoid slumping and rounding your back. This exaggerates the natural curvature of your spine, and will cause further back pain.

•Watch your diet, your excess weight adds to the stresses and strains on your spine.

•Take exercise to help keep your back supple, but you must ensure it is the correct sort and you have taken proper advice first. Walking and swimming are good, (but avoid breaststroke if you have back problems).

•Avoid soft sofas and chairs. If you choose a chair, which supports the small of your back, there is less likelihood of you developing back pain.

•How old is your mattress? If you are sleeping on a saggy soft mattress, it could be contributing to your back problems. A decent mattress is one of the necessities of life. Also get into the habit of turning and flipping your mattress every 6 months.

•Sleep on a contoured pillow to avoid neck strain. Don't use too many pillows. Your neck and spine should be kept in-line whilst you sleep. A small pillow between your knees when you sleep helps keep your hips in-line therefore assisting in avoiding lower back stiffness.

•Ensure your mattress is big enough for both you and your partner to sleep on. If sharing a small mattress, you’re probably sleeping in awkward positions because you are crowded out. (This won’t help your back).

Learn to look after your back, and hoepfully it will repay you many times over    

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