Set out below are self-help suggestions and useful information relating to conditions connected with back pain. However, if you have any concerns that last for more than a few days, they should be reported to your doctor.

Back Pain

Almost everyone will experience back pain at some time in his or her life. It is an inevitable consequence of having a long spinal column that is held vertically. Injury to the bones, muscles or discs between the joints will cause pain. If you have a tendency to back pain, you should keep your weight within recommended healthy norms; learn to lift properly and give up fashionable but silly shoes forever.

If you experience an episode of acute back pain, you can do several things to help yourself without consulting a doctor. Back pain clinics, osteopaths and physiotherapists are all experts in their fields and can offer manipulation, ultrasound, heat treatment, TENS machines and sensible advice. Over the counter painkillers are excellent to deal with the pain and should be taken at least 4 hourly to keep the pain at bay. If you alternate an aspirin-type drug with a paracetamol-based one, then you can take a painkiller every 2 hours and remain virtually pain-free. Rectal suppositories of NSAIDs at night, obtainable on prescription, are excellent for dealing with night pain. You should consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: numbness anywhere in your buttock or leg, difficulty with passing urine or opening your bowels, weakness of your leg or drooping of your foot. These symptoms suggest serious damage to the nerves of the back.

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