Back Pain
Back pain is fairly common and it can affect most people at some point within their life.
There are many causes, from posture to pregnancy, plus much more. Read more about the causes of back pain here, along with information about who is more at risk.
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Types of back pain
There are various types of back pain, all requiring varying treatments. Click on the type of back pain to access further information.
- Slipped disc – a damaged disk can put pressure on the nerves in your back
- Sciatica – can cause pain which runs down your leg
- Whiplash – caused by sudden impact, for example a car crash
- Frozen shoulder – can cause stiffness and related pain
- Ankylosing spondylitis – more of a long term condition
How to treat back pain
Where possible you should do the following:
- Remain as active as possible. This will only help to speed up your recovery.
- Use hot and cold compresses. Read more about how to do this here, but frozen peas and hot water bottles work well!
- Use over-the-counter pain relief to ease symptoms.
Word from our GP
Don’t underestimate the power of over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol for dealing with back pain
Dr. Justine Dawkins, Riversdale Surgery
Read our coffee break interview with Dr Justine Dawkins on back pain here.
Things to remember
- If your back pain is still present but improving you often don’t need to see your doctor.
- There are many causes of back pain but it can sometimes be hereditary.
- Ensuring you use pain relief is vital to make living with back pain more bearable.