Understanding and Managing Back Pain: Insights from Experts
Whether it’s a sprain, a dull ache, or burning sciatic pain that moves down your leg, back pain is a common ailment that affects many individuals at some point in their lives. In many cases, it is a short-term problem, often caused by a strain in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. According to the charity Arthritis Research UK, approximately nine million people in England currently live with chronic back pain.
This issue has become increasingly prevalent, largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles. Physiotherapist Sammy Margo from North London explains, “People used to get back pain from doing things – now they experience it from not doing things.”
Margo emphasizes that people working from home are affected due to long periods of sitting without movement, as well as individuals who rely on their phones for news instead of physical activities. She notes, “In the past, we saw more acute injuries such as muscle tears. Now we see tech neck or chronic lower back pain from sitting at a desk all day.”
Being sedentary reduces blood flow to the spinal structures, weakening them and increasing a phenomenon Margo calls “CREEP” – Continuous and Repetitive Elongation of the elastic properties of tissues. This continuous pressure can degrade tissues and reduce flexibility.
The positive news is that most back pain cases improve with simple measures within weeks or months, often without recurrence. Physio expert Mehmet Gem of Pure Physio in Exeter reinforces this idea: “The most important thing once you have back pain is keeping active and not being scared to move; in most cases, things will resolve on their own.”
Consultant Robin Chatterjee advises seeking medical attention if pain persists after seven days despite treatments.
Chatterjee advises that if pain does not improve after a week of self-care, including painkillers, heat therapy, and exercise, it’s essential to consult a doctor, physio, or osteopath. Additionally, there are instances where remaining still is necessary, such as suspected fractures or cases with a history of osteopenia or osteoporosis, as movement might worsen the condition.
Consultant neurosurgeon David Bell from King’s College Hospital states that nine out of ten cases of back pain resolve within three months. “The majority of patients see improvement with physical therapies, steroid injections, or surgery as applicable,” he notes. Identifying the root cause of the pain is crucial for effective treatment.
As Margo explains, pain related to tissue damage around the spine can also manifest several days after the initial injury, complicating diagnoses. Chatterjee adds that individuals not showing improvement after seven days should seek further medical advice, especially if their pain radiates down the legs, which could signify a trapped nerve.
When to Seek Urgent Help
- Back pain coupled with sudden weakness or numbness in both legs could indicate acute nerve pressure (cauda equina syndrome), necessitating immediate medical attention.
- Other concerning symptoms are loss of bladder or bowel control and numbness around the genital area; these require urgent assessment to prevent potential long-term damage.
- Localized spinal pain combined with high fever or night sweats may suggest a spinal infection, warranting immediate medical advice.
- Unexplained back pain with significant weight loss might suggest cancer; such patients should quickly seek an appointment with their GP.
The Role of Scans
“MRI scans can be vital for those with persistent pain unresponsive to standard treatments,” remarks David Bell. Scans help identify potential nerve damage or chronic wear and tear. In cases where MRI results are inconclusive, additional imaging, like SPECT scans, may be performed to evaluate functional issues related to spinal health.
Understanding the Causes of Back Pain
Sprains and Strains: Acute back pain can often result from muscle strains caused by heavy lifting or awkward movements. Typically, this pain improves within six weeks with rest, medications, and physiotherapy.
Sciatica: Characterized by shooting or burning pain down the leg due to nerve compression, this type usually improves within 12 weeks with appropriate care.
Effective Treatments for Back Pain
Effective management often includes a combination of physical activity, pain management with NSAIDs, and alternative therapies. Additionally, physiotherapy, guided exercises, and hot/cold therapy can be beneficial in alleviating discomfort.
When Consideration for Surgery Becomes Important
In severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery, whether for slipped discs or spinal stenosis, may be necessary. Options include discectomy or laminectomy, procedures designed to relieve pressure on affected nerves.
Discussion Among Experts
To further explore the topic of back pain, we gathered a panel of esteemed professionals:
- Sammy Margo: Physiotherapist, discussing lifestyle impacts on back pain.
- Mehmet Gem: Physiotherapist, emphasizing activity’s role in recovery.
- David Bell: Neurosurgeon, addressing surgical options for chronic pain.
- Robin Chatterjee: Musculoskeletal specialist, providing insights on when to seek help.
The panel shared critical insights on the importance of remaining active and avoiding prolonged bed rest, challenging the historical notion of complete rest for back pain recovery.
Engagement Prompt
What are your experiences with back pain? Share your thoughts and strategies for managing this common issue in the comments below! Let’s foster a community of support and understanding.
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