Home

Site Map

About the Centre

Therapies

Practitioners & Therapists

Events

Articles

Products

Price List

Location

Talks, Courses & Workshops

Testimonials & Feedback

Practitioners Wanted

Links

General Advice for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is unnecessarily common and can generally be avoided by preventative treatment, exercise (e.g. swimming, yoga or Tai Chi) and appropriate posture. This includes everyday posture and not just whilst bending and lifting.

If it is a recurrent problem, then it is unlikely to resolve without appropriate treatment and management. The latest GP guidelines indicate that in the large majority of cases (including disc injuries) one should remain as mobile, as possible and to seek a ‘manipulative therapy’ (such as osteopathy or chiropractic) at the earliest opportunity. Bed rest will only maintain the inflammation, whereas if you move regularly the inflammation is more likely to drain away from the area and therefore heal quicker.

If sharp pains and/or small areas of numbness are experienced in the legs then consult an appropriately qualified practitioner and your GP.

Hospital is indicated if any of the following are present:-

• Large areas of numbness in the leg/s and especially around the anus and genitalia.

• Incontinence of bladder/bowel.

• Inability to urinate/defecate - that is not solely due to pain of ‘forcing’ or constipation, such as, from taking pain-killers/anti-inflammatories.

• Loss of power in the leg/s - that is not solely due to pain.

The above symptoms are just as important without low back pain. If in doubt contact the relevant authority for advice/treatment. Generally speaking - more immediate treatment is likely to bring quicker relief.

First aid for low back pain - alternating ice and heat for 5 mins each at regular intervals will help reduce inflammation. Not too hot or cold - i.e. wrap a bag of frozen peas in a towel to avoid sticking. Stay as mobile as possible, avoiding bending/lifting and try to breathe slowly, deeply from the diaphragm and through the nose. Becoming anxious or ‘stressed’ will only exacerbate the symptoms.