Last week, 5-9 October, was the annual 'backcare' campaign to raise awareness of back conditions and provide advice and support to sufferers.

Severe lower back pain can make you fearful to move, further increasing stiffness and muscle spasm. It is often most severe for the first 48 to 72 hours, during which time sitting, bending or even walking can be difficult. The good news is that for the majority of sufferers, back pain is relatively short-term and usually clears up after six weeks.

OrthTeam Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr John Leach, explains how best to prevent lower back pain, diagnosis and treatment options:

Prevention

Movement and posture is really important for your spine. There is evidence that maintaining a normal range of spinal motion through exercise is beneficial. Those who suffer with long-term back problems suffer less severe and less frequent episodes if they engage in regular core stability activities such as Yoga and Pilates. Spinal mobilisation exercises under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional can also help manage back pain.

Diagnosis

As it is our natural instinct to understand what is wrong when we are in pain, there is often a temptation to get an MRI scan of the lower spine. Although MRI’s are key in the diagnosis of a range of musculoskeletal conditions, for most individuals with back pain alone, the specific cause of lower back pain is not usually identified on a MRI scan.

Treatment

For those who also experience pain, numbness or weakness in a leg, you are more likely to have a condition such as a slipped disc pressing on a nerve causing sciatica or a more chronic condition such as spinal stenosis. These conditions may benefit from treatment such as injections, physiotherapy or pain medication. In some instances and if symptoms don’t resolve, then surgery may be a consideration.

Please see your GP or specialist for more advice if you’re suffering from lower back pain and they will be able to advise on the most appropriate treatment for you.

Serious problems associated with back pain are thankfully rare, but you should be assessed by an expert for an assessment and to rule out any serious conditions.

To book a consultation with Mr John Leach or for more information please call 0161 447 6888.

For the latest news and events follow the OrthTeam Centre on social media:

Twitter: @ortht

Facebook: facebook.com/OrthTeamCentre