Low back pain

Back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their life. It can range from a mild ache, tension or stiffness, to absolute excruciating agony. The pain can be triggered by bad posture while sitting or standing, bending awkwardly, or lifting incorrectly. Sometimes back pain can develop for no apparent reason.

Back pain is not generally caused by a serious condition and, in most cases, it gets better within a few weeks. It can usually be successfully treated by taking painkillers, keeping mobile, or simple manual therapy such as osteopathy.

Diagnosing back pain

If you are worried about your back pain, then you should seek assistance from The Mansfield Clinic. Dr Allfree has many years’ experience in treating people with low back pain, and he will discuss your back pain symptoms with you, examine your back thoroughly, and suggest a sensible treatment strategy.

Examination and previous history

The examination will usually assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs, as well as testing the range of movement in your back. You may be asked about any illnesses or injuries you may have had in the past, as well as the type of work you do and your lifestyle.

Your back is a complex structure, so finding the exact cause of the pain can often be difficult. Here are some of the questions that Dr Allfree may well ask you:

• When did your back pain start?
• Where are you feeling the pain?
• Have you had back problems in the past?
• Can you describe the pain?
• What makes the pain better or worse?
• Do you have any leg pain with it?

Dr Allfree will want to make sure that your back pain is not being caused by a more serious underlying condition. He will ask you some routine questions to rule out things such as an infection or fracture, although these are very uncommon. If he thinks there may be a more serious cause, he will suggest referral for further tests, such as an x-ray or an MRI scan. These tests can all be arranged for you at the Mansfield Clinic.

You will be offered information about what you can do to reduce the effects of the pain.

Risk factors

Certain risk factors increase your chances of developing back pain. These include:

• being overweight - the extra weight puts pressure on the spine 
• smoking - this may be due to tissue damage in the back caused by smoking or the fact that people who smoke tend to have unhealthier lifestyles than people who don't smoke
• being pregnant - the extra weight of carrying a baby can place additional strain on the back
• long-term use of medication known to weaken bones - such as corticosteroids
• stress - stress is thought to cause tension in the back muscles which can lead to back pain
• depression - back pain can make you feel depressed, which can sometimes result in weight gain which leads to increased pain and worsening depression

In a small number of cases, back pain is caused by a specific medical condition such as: 

• whiplash
• shoulder pain 
• frozen shoulder
• ankylosing spondylitis
• slipped disc
•  
• Treating back pain

If you have back pain, you must try to remain as active as possible and continue with your daily activities. In the past, doctors recommended rest for back pain, but most experts now agree that being inactive for long periods is not good for your back. Moderate activity, such as walking or doing everyday tasks, will help speed up your recovery. 

Take simple painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Hot or cold compression packs may also help reduce the pain. Purpose-made ice packs are available from The Mansfield Clinic.

Your state of mind can also play an important role. Research has shown that people who remain positive tend to recover quicker than those who get depressed.

Manual therapy, such as osteopathy, can be very helpful. For back pain that lasts more than six weeks (which doctors describe as chronic), treatment typically involves a combination of painkillers, exercises or manual therapy.

Sometimes, if the back pain is due to wear and tear change in the joints of the spine, it may not be possible to get rid of it entirely. Spinal injection therapy can be very beneficial in these cases. Also, if manual therapy has failed, it may be worth trying a course of spinal injections. Dr Allfree has had many years’ experience in performing spinal injection therapy at The Mansfield Clinic.

Spinal surgery is usually only considered when all else has failed.

You should seek immediate medical help if your back pain is accompanied by:

• fever 
• unexplained weight loss
• constant back pain that doesn't ease after lying down
• pain down your legs and below the knees
• loss of bladder or bowel control
• inability to pass urine 
• numbness around your genitals, buttocks or back passage 
• pain that is worse at night 

These are known as 'red flag symptoms' and could be a sign of something more serious.

Preventing back pain

How you sit, stand, lie and lift can all affect the health of your back. Try to avoid placing too much pressure on your back and ensure your back is strong and flexible. Regular exercise such as walking is an excellent way of preventing back pain. Activities such as Yoga or Pilates can improve your flexibility and strengthen your back muscles.