October 22, 2018
Back Pain
Are you suffering with back pain and tired of it taking a toll on your everyday life?
Not only does back pain affect your physical wellbeing, it can also impact your mental health. Trying to get through the day with aggravating back pain having been told that it will go away with rest and painkillers by your GP can leave you feeling helpless. The good news is, we support people every day with varying degrees of back pain and we’re here to help you get back to living your best life, pain free.
Are you:
- Experiencing pain when lifting or bending
- Feeling stiff in the morning when you wake up
- Suffering from either a persistent dull ache or a stabbing, burning or shooting sensation in your back
- Uncomfortable sitting or standing in the same position for long periods throughout the day
- Noticing the pain radiate into your buttocks or leg
If you said YES to any of the above, you’re not alone!
Start improving your health and movement today.
Back pain treatments
Who does back pain most commonly affect?
Back pain can affect anyone at any stage in life but has the highest prevalence during adolescence, and then again in middle age. Back pain is the largest cause of work-related absence in the UK and is a very common condition affecting 7 out of 10 people at some point in their lives.
Is back pain serious?
Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is usually not serious. It can also be the cause of pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the legs, often called sciatica. In the majority of cases, the cause of your back problem can be linked to the way in which the bones, muscles, and ligaments in your back work together and how you have been using them.
If during your episode of back pain you notice changes to your bladder or bowel function you should go straight to your local Accident and Emergency Department as this could indicate a more severe problem.
What causes back pain?
The lower part of your back, known as the ‘lumbar region’ supports the entire weight of your upper body and is under constant pressure, particularly when you are bending, lifting, and twisting. The complex structure of your back in particular means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the back can cause pain and discomfort.
How long will my recovery take?
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to feel a 60% improvement within the first week, an 80% improvement within one month, and a 90% improvement within 2 months, depending on your situation. However, it may take longer with more severe cases.
Find out more about our treatment options that can help with back pain:
What to expect from the back pain clinic at Hatt’s
01
Understand
We’ll start by understanding your medical history
02
Diagnose
We’ll then identify what is causing your back pain and give you a clear diagnosis
03
Treat
You’ll receive hands on treatment to relieve your pain (if needed)
04
Plan
We’ll put together a bespoke treatment plan to manage your pain
05
Support
You’ll receive ongoing support from our team to resolve your back pain
Why should you see a clinician at Hatt’s to resolve your back pain?
Experts in musculoskeletal health with decades of experience.
Multi-disciplinary team to get back to full recovery under one roof.
Personalised treatment plan to get rid of your back pain once and for all.
Back Pain FAQs
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, injury, herniated discs, joint irritation, arthritis, or other medical conditions. It can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as being overweight, not exercising regularly, or sitting for long periods of time. In some cases, the pain may be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Can constipation cause back pain?
Constipation can cause back pain in some cases. When you are constipated, you may strain during bowel movements, leading to muscle tension in the lower back. Additionally, the build up of stool in the intestines can put pressure on the nerves in the lower back, causing discomfort and pain.
How to sleep with lower back pain?
To sleep with lower back pain, try the following:
– Use a supportive mattress and pillow to help keep your spine aligned.
– Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
– Try to maintain good posture during the day to prevent exacerbating your lower back pain at night.
– Use heat or ice packs before bed to help reduce inflammation and relax tight muscles.
– Consider doing gentle stretching or yoga before bed to help relax your muscles.
– Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime as they may disrupt your sleep.
-Make sure you are taking adequate pain relief in the form of painkillers and ani-inflammatories
Can stress cause back pain?
When we experience stress, our bodies release stress hormones which can lead to muscle tension and tightness. This muscle tension can contribute to back pain, especially in the upper and lower back. Stress can also lead to poor posture and unhealthy habits, which can put strain on the back and contribute to pain.
What is middle back pain a symptom of?
Middle back pain can be a symptom of various conditions, including poor posture, muscle strain, spinal problems such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, or other underlying health issues.
Is swimming good for back pain?
Swimming can be good for back pain because it is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen the muscles in your back, core, and legs. Swimming also helps improve flexibility, endurance, and overall cardiovascular health. The buoyancy of water also helps support the body and reduce the pressure on the spine.
How to relieve middle back pain?
There are several ways to relieve middle back pain, including:
– Practice good posture: Slouching can put strain on your back muscles, so try to sit and stand up straight.
– Exercise regularly: Strengthening your core muscles can help support your back and reduce pain. Activities like yoga, Pilates, and swimming can be beneficial.
– Apply heat or cold packs: Applying a heating pad or ice pack to your middle back can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
– Stretch and massage: Gentle stretching and massaging the muscles in your middle back can help relieve tension and pain.
– Take over-the-counter pain medication: If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
What causes sudden sharp pain in lower back?
There are several potential causes of sudden sharp pain in the lower back. These can include muscle strains or sprains, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or even kidney stones. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment.
Is walking good for lower back pain?
Walking can be good for lower back pain. However, listen to your body and not overdo it – start slowly and gradually increase your walking distance and pace. If you have severe lower back pain, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.
How to fix lower back pain from sitting?
To fix lower back pain from sitting, you can try the following tips:
– Practice good posture while sitting, and make sure your chair provides adequate support for your lower back.
– Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk around to relieve tension in your lower back.
– Engage in regular exercise, particularly exercises that strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility in your back.
– Use a lumbar support to help maintain proper alignment while sitting.
– Consider using a standing desk or adjustable desk to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
– Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your lower back.
What is better for lower back pain heat or cold?
For lower back pain, both heat and cold therapy can be beneficial in relieving pain and discomfort. Cold therapy, such as ice packs, can help reduce inflammation and numb the area to reduce pain. Heat therapy, such as heating pads, can help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the area to promote healing. Use whichever method provides the most relief for you.
Is Pilates good for back pain?
Pilates can be very helpful for back pain. Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which can lead to better posture and less strain on the back. It also incorporates stretching and flexibility exercises, which can help reduce tension in the back muscles.
Can costochondritis cause back pain?
Costochondritis typically causes pain and tenderness in the chest area, particularly where the ribs meet the breastbone. However, some people may experience referred pain that can radiate to the back or stomach.
Is cycling good for lower back pain?
Cycling can be good for lower back pain as it is a low impact exercise that can help keep you mobile, fit and active. However, ensure you have the correct bike setup and maintain proper form while cycling to prevent any further strain on your lower back. It is also beneficial to seek further guidance from a physiotherapist.
