Frequently Asked Questions

How do I live with back pain?

For common occurrences a few days rest, hot and cold packs, exercise and therapy will all help. You could also use pain medication to reduce pain.

Is there any one cure for back pain?

No. There are many different conditions as well as injuries and they all need a different approach to aid recovery.

When do I see my GP?

You should call your GP or family doctor if the pain persists for a couple of weeks or you have any of these symptoms:

      Pain in your legs below the knee

      Numbness in the legs or groin

      Fever, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, weakness or sweating

      Loss of control of bodily functions

How can I prevent back pain?

Here are some valuable tips to help prevent back pain:

     Be careful when lifting heavy objects

    Try to avoid standing flat footed while bent over

     A sedentary lifestyle will contribute to back problems

     Regular exercise

     Proper diet to help manage your weight

     Having a desk job

     Long distance driving

     Smoking

Is massage recommended for back pain?

Yes. It helps to relax the muscles that are in spasm and helps to alleviate stress that can sometimes exacerbate your condition.

What do I do if I have arthritis of the spine?

Arthritis is typically treated with either a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drugs. Exercise will also be used to increase range of motion. These will include stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce the damage of the arthritis.

Should I exercise with back pain?

Exercise is of great benefit to someone suffering from back pain and for anyone hoping to avoid it in the future.

What Should I do when pain strikes?

Act fast and you can keep a twinge from becoming an all-out backache.

When you first experience back pain, apply an ice pack to reduce the inflammation caused by muscle tension. After two days, or when you are pain free you need to switch to a heating pad. A study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that wearing a heated back wrap for eight hours a day for three days reduced the intensity of back pain by 60 percent.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, can relieve the pain and stiffness caused by a back injury. But don’t take them for more than 10 days in a row: Long-term use may harm your gastrointestinal tract and even raise your risk for stomach ulcers.

Resting for more than a few days will slow your recovery. Your back muscles weaken, which could make your pain worse or cause a more serious problem. So even if it’s uncomfortable, you want to return to your routine ASAP.

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