Back Pain

Back pain causes 13 million working days to be lost in Britain each year. The spine is made up of 24 fragile bones and associated cartilage and tendons. It supports the whole weight of the upper body and therefore, it is understandable that it sometimes goes wrong.

Back pain will usually get better on its own, within a few days, or possibly a few weeks. Stay active, and if at all possible, stay at work. The pain may force you to rest, but this is a result of the pain, and not a good treatment for back pain. If you have to take to your bed, limit it, if possible, to a day or two at the most. Use simple pain killers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if necessary or try gentle heat, eg from a hot water bottle or heat lamp.

Avoid activities likely to put unnecessary strain on your back. When sitting, an upright chair with support for the small of the back puts less strain on your spine. If the back pain does not start to improve within a few days, then consult your doctor for advice.