Backache

Backache, which afflicts most of us at one time or another, is second only to headache as a common disorder characterized by pain. Pain in the spine may accompany an injury or occur spontaneously; in the overwhelming majority of sufferers the pain is in the lower back.

In most cases lower back pain is the result of poor posture. Therefore, the most important element of treatment involves strengthening and protecting supporting muscles and maintaining correct posture.

Symptoms of Back

Pain may develop slowly or come on suddenly and without apparent reason. It may be a continuous ache or it may occur only when in a certain position. Coughing and sneezing as well as bending and twisting the back are likely to aggravate the pain.

Causes of Backache

Although a large number of backaches are often termed non-specific because they have no obvious cause, some can be traced to a specific condition. These include, alone or in combination, long-term poor posture; strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments of the back or the muscles of the abdomen; injury to the cushions or discs between the vertebrae; being overweight; and stress and tension.

Self-treatment

Take mild painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen every four to six hours, according to the instructions on the container.

Apply heat to ease the pain, e.g. have a hot bath or use a hot water bottle.

Complete bed rest on a firm mattress that gives overall support is advisable. Rest is essential to relieve pressure on injured structures, and increases the chances of recovery.

When to consult a doctor

You should consult your doctor if the back pain persists for more than three or four days. Consult the doctor as an emergency if you develop signs of spinal-cord injury, such as inability to control your bowels or bladder, or weakness, numbness or tingling in a limb.

What the doctor might do about your bad Back

Much depends on your history of back trouble and your doctor’s assessment of the problem. You may be given a prescription for stronger painkillers or a muscle-relaxing drug.

If your back pain has come suddenly, your doctor may recommend physiotherapy, massage or a supportive belt or corset. If your symptoms indicate that you have a prolapsed disc, however, your doctor will probably advise you to lie flat on your back for two weeks. If the backache is not relieved by the above measures, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or a neuro-surgeon for further examination and treatment.

Preventing Backache

Backaches tend to be recurrent and are a niggling problem that occasionally lays sufferers low with acute pain which restricts movement and is a real nuisance. You can prevent this by protecting your spine from unnecessary strain:

When standing, don’t slouch but reach to your full height, and don’t rest your weight mainly on one leg.

When sitting for a long time, support the small of your back with a cushion and stand up occasionally and arch your back.

Sleep on a firm mattress. If your bed sags, put a board between the mattress and base.

When lifting any object, light or heavy, keep your back straight, the object close to your body, both feet firmly planted not too close together, and bend at the knees. The lifting power should come from your leg muscles with your back acting as a rigid prop. Never lift anything with your spine twisted and don’t jerk or twist when lifting.

Don’t reach up to get things from a high shelf – stand on a stool.