Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the UK, with an estimated 28 million people suffering from it at any given time. Over the past decade, lower back pain has become increasingly prevalent in the UK, with a recent survey finding that up to 40% of adults experience some form of lower back pain each year. The prevalence of lower back pain varies by age, with the highest rates reported among those aged between 45 and 64 years old.

Despite lower back pain being very common, the good news is that it usually improves within a few weeks with conservative treatment, including osteopathy for lower back pain, physiotherapy and acupuncture.

It can take longer for it to go, and it can recur. That’s why we go to great lengths to go beyond patching you up with pain relief and fix the underlying drivers of your symptoms so that when it’s gone, it’s gone, and you can get your life back!

What causes lower back pain?

As a common condition, lower back pain may have many different causes. However, some of the most common causes of lower back pain include muscle strain, poor posture, injury or trauma, arthritis, and disc degeneration.

• Poor posture and prolonged sitting can cause muscles to become tight and weak, leading to strain and discomfort.
• Injury or trauma, such as a fall or a car accident, can also lead to lower back pain.
• Arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
• Disc degeneration, which is caused by wear-and-tear on the discs between vertebrae, can also cause lower back pain.
• In some cases, the exact cause of lower back pain may not be known.

In addition, lower back pain also tends to be more common among people who are:

• overweight or obese
• have an occupation involving physical labour
• have a history of medical conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis
• lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise and inadequate sleep
• Stress, anxiety and depression

What are the Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain symptoms can vary from person to person. Some get a dull pain in their back, while others may describe it as more of a burning or tearing pain. Sciatica, pain can spread from your buttock or back down your leg, sometimes as far reaching as your foot or toes.

• Pain, stiffness and tenderness in the lower back area
• Difficulty moving especially bending or twisting
• Difficulty standing up straight
• Difficulty standing or being still for prolonged periods
• Localised pain when pressing on the affected area
• Radiating pain that travels down the leg(s)

How can I relieve my lower back pain?

There are many things you can do to assist your back pain and recover faster. Most Importantly, try to keep active and remain positive about managing your pain.

Get moving – motion is the lotion! This may be the very last thing you feel like doing, and you may even believe that you shouldn’t be doing it. However, all the evidence points in the opposite direction. After 40 years of helping people with lower back pain, our ‘go to’ advice is don’t wait till you’re pain free; start straight away. 

In most cases, keeping active and regular exercise can benefit individuals with back pain. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can help to reduce the risk of further injury and promote faster recovery.

In addition, research quoted in the Journal of Mental Health [Vol.14, 2005], clearly shows that regular exercise is a powerful source of ‘happy hormones’ which help us cope better with the inevitable stresses of life.

Stress, depression and anxiety are all strongly implicated as a cause of lower back pain as well as slowing down your recovery.
It’s important to note that starting gently and gradually increasing the intensity of exercise is crucial, as pushing yourself too hard too soon can exacerbate your back pain.

Choosing activities you enjoy is important, as this can make it easier to stick to an exercise routine. Good examples are walking, swimming and yoga. Do anything other than take to your bed or sit in a chair till the pain goes away – it won’t. It’ll get worse if you don’t start to move.

If you develop severe pain that you can’t cope with while exercising, you should stop and seek advice from your medical professional. You should always see a doctor if your symptoms include weakness or numbness in your legs.

Stay positive – The ability to recover from low back pain is closely linked to your emotional well-being and the strategies you employ to cope with the pain.

Engaging in activities and socialising with friends and family can help distract from pain and improve overall well-being.

Additionally, managing stress through techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or talking to a counsellor can also help reduce the impact of emotional factors on back pain.

Getting enough sleep is also important, as sleep deprivation can increase pain sensitivity and make it harder to cope with chronic pain. Practising good sleep hygiene, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can help improve sleep quality.

Overall, a positive outlook, social support, stress management, and good sleep habits can help to promote a faster recovery from low back pain.

Pain relief – Start with applying heat or cold treatments to your back to relieve pain. (Ensure you protect your skin properly if you do) If you need additional help, ask your pharmacist for advice on what over the counter medication you can take.

If you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) read the patient information leaflet and follow the guidance. Always aim to take them for a minimum period of time.

Treatment options for lower back pain

At the Backcare and Acupuncture Clinic, we can provide expert care in the form of osteopathy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage for lower back pain.

As yet, there is no clear-cut research as to which method provides the best results for treating musculoskeletal problems. Therefore the choice of practitioner is partly down to your preference and our advice as to your next step.

If you need further information, advice or reassurance, call the clinic on 07810 770347.

If you want to be seen straight away, book in online or call the number above if you prefer.

Learn more about our services here.

Prevention of lower back pain

Incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can help to prevent back pain or reduce your risk of recurrence. Here are some tips:

1. Get plenty of exercise: Regular exercise can help to strengthen your back muscles and improve flexibility, which can help prevent back pain. It’s important to choose exercises that you enjoy and that are safe for your individual fitness level.
2. Take care with carrying and lifting heavy items: Use proper lifting techniques, such as bending your knees and keeping your back straight when lifting heavy objects. Avoid carrying objects that are too heavy for you to manage.
3. Maintain good posture: Make sure your chair, desk, and computer screen are set up correctly if you work at a desk. This will help prevent strain on your back and neck muscles. If you sit for long periods of time, it’s important to take breaks and stretch regularly.
4. Move regularly: Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks to stretch and move around, especially if you have a desk job.

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent back pain and maintain a healthy spine. If you experience back pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.