Spine

Back pain and low back pain is very common conditions and normally improve within a few weeks or months. In most cases the pain isn’t caused by anything serious and there are things you can do to help relieve it. Sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back.

It’s often not possible to identify the cause of back pain and in these cases its called “non-specific” back pain. Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain. Occasionally back pain can be due to slipped (prolapsed) disc or irritation of the nerve (sciatica). These conditions tend to cause additional symptoms such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation and they’re treated differently to non-specific back pain. Rarely, cause is something more serious and need to be checked urgently.

Patient must stay as active as possible and try to continue daily activities. Exercises like stretching, walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also be helpful. Anti-inflammatory painkillers may be necessary as well. Finally, use of hot or cold compression packs may offer short-term relief.