Back Pain, don't take it laying down

Self help is the best medicine

If you have acute (short term) low back pain, doctors can help you by advising you to stay as active as possible, prescribing medication if the pain makes it difficult to stay active and prescribing manipulation if you need it.

But the most important steps in dealing with low back pain are the things you do to help yourself. No one else can do them for you. Its important to take the initiative and help yourself from the start.

At first you may be in a lot of pain, but remember pain can be controlled. Ask your treatment provider for pain relief and if you're having difficulty doing your usual activities, ask what help or other support and assistance is available.

Bed rest for more than two days is not good for your back- this has been proven by scientific evidence.

Most back pain gets better quickly

Fortunately, most back pain gets better quite quickly- often within a month- though it is not unusual to still have some niggles.

Keep active, set yourself goals to build up your fitness, concentrate on your core muscle strength, Pilates is great for this. Exercise and weight loss are key to back recovery if you are over weight. Statistics show that 90% of people with back pain get over it and go on to live normal lives without surgery.

What if it happens again 

Many people have more than one episode of back pain, but that doesn't mean it's serious. You have a better chance of having a healthy back, if once you've recovered you get fit and stay fit. Being fit may stop you getting back pain again, although it may not make your pain less severe or help you recover more quickly.

Walking, cycling and swimming are for you. Nearly everyone can do at least one of them and they are free or cost very little. The keys to making exercise a success are, setting aside a little time every day and keeping it going.

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