Back Pain 01539 728444

How often have you, or has someone you know, experienced back pain? 

Back pain is a very common condition especially in adults. It is one of the most common reasons for people being off work. Back pain (usually but not necessarily) locates itself in the lumbar spine. Disc and joint strain are very frequent causes of back pain. Pins and needles, numbness or pain may also be in the thigh, lower leg or foot (sciatica). If sciatica is severe, muscle weakness may be also be present. 

Causes

These may be from poor posture or poor work seating positions (poor ergonomics). Hobbies such as gardening or DIY are also common culprits. Car seats sadly are often not good for the back and many of us have long car journeys from time to time. Driving is most unnatural for the spine as we often cannot move about for several hours. Normally we move about every 30 minutes or so (even if just to make a cup of tea or visit the bathroom).  Often the cause for your back pain is not recent. Quite often physical and emotional stresses from earlier stages in your life lie dormant in your spine and can be triggered into pain or discomfort by a relatively minor event.

Posture such as bad seating, long periods of driving, lifting or repetative strains can all lead to back pain. The way we stand is crucial to the long term health of the back. A pain in the foot can alter the way we stand and result in back pain or even headaches.

Accidents especially road whiplash can affect the whole body and especially lower back in addition to the classical neck pain.

Falls and injuries all influence the spine. Often the spine has to 'concertina' and crumple during such events causing injury to the spinal tissues.

Head injuries cause local symptoms (pain headahce etc.) but can strongly influence the neck and back mucles and ligaments resulting in pain well away from the point of injury.

Dental trauma can have its influence to the rest of the body and consequently be a cause of back pain.

Treatment

By reducing the strain and tension in the spine, which may be from posture, accidents and falls, road traffic accidents (RTA), or even tensions from anxiety or mental stress, the pressure and irritation in the spine can be reduced and the pain relieved. The nerves are then allowed to normalise and symptoms ease.

Advice will be given,  if necessary, on how to sit and work in a better posture and some simple exercises may be suggested.