Back Pain

Back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors including muscle strain, poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. The pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. Most back pain improves within a few weeks without the need for medical treatment, but some cases may require further medical advice and treatment.

• Muscle aches or stiffness along the spine, from the neck to the tailbone
• Sharp or stabbing pain in one area of the back
• Pain that radiates down the leg, especially below the knee
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking
• Difficulty standing up straight or moving freely
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet 

Infants and young children may show signs of back pain by crying, irritability, or refusing to move. As the condition can impact sleep, they may become restless or tired.

During your consultation your healthcare practitioner may advise treating your back pain with:

• Topical analgesic creams such as Ibuleve and Voltarol gel
• Pain relief medications such as regular paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs

On top of this, you can get relief from:

• Staying active and continuing with your daily activities as much as possible
• Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area
• Gentle stretching and exercises to improve flexibility and strength - the NHS provide a good online resource for this
• Good posture and ergonomic adjustments to your work and home environments
• For example, if you use a monitor, this needs to be at the correct height
• Physiotherapy, which can provide tailored exercises and treatments

Back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. However, you should seek medical advice if the pain is severe, does not improve within a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fever, or problems with bladder or bowel control. Your healthcare specialist can advise you on the best course of action during your consultation.

If you experience recurrent back pain, you may need to be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.