Lower Back Pain Affects Your Mobility And Quality Of Life

Lower back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, and is usually a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs.

Causes of back pain

Most cases of backache are caused by sprains, muscle strains, minor injuries or a pinched or irritated nerve. They can also be triggered by stress and by everyday activities at home or work, and by poor posture.

Some of the more common causes of lower back pain include:

• lack of exercise


• accidents such as trips and falls


• carrying extra weights in the lumbar region - obeisity and pregnancy


• muscle tension


• slouching in armchairs


• lifting or carrying a heavy load incorrectly


• bending awkwardly


• over-stretching or pulling incorrectly


• twisting the body awkwardly


• long distance travel in a car or plane and sitting in hunched positions

Back pain treatments

Back pain treatments may include:

• doing lower back exercises such as stretching. Many people suffer from backaches due to lack of exercise. So doing regular lower back exercises will strengthen the muscles in the lumbar region and thus bring relief for lower back pain.


• taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen


• getting chiropractic treatment


• swimming. Swimming is a good form of exercise and helps the flexibility and mobility of the spine.


• applying hot or cold compression packs to the lower back helps to reduce pain. For a cold compression, you can place a bag of frozen food in a towel and apply it to the lower back. Similarly, you can wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and apply it to the lumbar region.


• getting physiotherapy treatment. A physiotherapist will be able to show you various exercises suitable for your condition to strengthen your back muscles and improve the flexibility of your spine.


• surgery to treat cases of chronic back pain such as slipped disc.

Chiropractic treatment is a popular alternative therapy. Before you visit a private practice, ask your GP whether a chiropractic treatment is available on the NHS.

Back pain prevention

There are many ways to avoid getting a backache. These include:

• doing regular exercises.


• maintaining good posture whether you are walking, standing, sitting, driving or sleeping.


• losing weight so that your lower back does not carry excessive weight.


• reducing stress, tension and anxiety which can result in lower back pain.


• avoiding sudden awkward movements that may cause strain to the muscles.


• wearing flat shoes can minimize the stress on your back.


• bending your knees and keeping a straight back when lifting a load off the floor.

If the pain persists after a week of self-help, you should see your doctor who will diagnose your back problem. Your GP may prescribe you with stronger painkillers or recommend other back pain treatments. In extreme cases they may refer you to a hospital for further examination and treatment.

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