 |
| It's National Back Care week and NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com have spoken to a series of experts |
THE majority of us suffer with back pain at some point, but how to do the experts cope with it?
According to a recent survey by pain relief patch-makers Salonpas, two thirds of Brits lie about how much pain they are in.
A whopping 29 per cent of people take painkillers to treat backache, and 20 per cent of people have taken time off work due to back pain.
Many things can contribute to back pain an injuries from stress, poor posture and sitting at a desk for too long.
According to osteopath Troy Bradley: "Usually things like a weak core, weak gluts (bum muscles), and bad posture are to blame for someone who has acute pain or chronic pain.
"Muscles get tight, ligaments get inflamed causing the nervous system to scream with pain."
 |
| If you spend your 9-5 sat at a desk, your inactivity could be causing you pain |
According to Nice, treating back pain costs the NHS £1000 million per year, and with a reported 8 in 10 people in the UK suffering one or more bouts of lower back pain during their lives, seeking out effective ways of relieving pain has never been so important.
NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com has spoken to a series experts who've shared their top tips for taking care of your back without visiting your GP.
Movement is key
A common misconception is that exercise can make pain worse but lack of exercise means there is no muscle support for your spine.
Troy Bradley recommends: "Move and be varied in the movement. Avoid repetitive routine. Go for a walk, skip, stretch out the front of your hips and use exercise to work on improving your range of motion."
Protect your back at work
If you spend your 9-5 sat at a desk, your inactivity could be causing you pain.
One of the UK’s leading Physiotherapists, Richard Evans recommends assessing your workspace to promote good back health.
He said: "Change your posture regularly. Regardless of how healthy your work posture is, sitting in any one position for an extended period is not healthy.
"If you have an adjustable chair, alternate between the following positions: Sit upright. Keep your torso roughly vertical, your thighs horizontal, and your lower legs vertical."
Switch up your pain relief
If you’re worried about staying alert, try long-lasting topical alternative to medication.
GP, Roger Henderson recommends, using a pain relief patch like Salonpas, with can be applied directly and discreetly to the site of pain.
He said: "We experience numerous sprains and strains a year as a nation and we always welcome new ways of treating the painful symptoms. Unlike other patches, Salonpas ( £4.99 for 2 patches, available from Boots.com) has pain relieving ingredients which provide targeted relief instead of just heating or cooling the skin."
 |
| A reported 8 in 10 people in the are UK suffering one or more bouts of lower back pain |
Hold your head up
It’s not just your back you need to take care of. Drooping your head (and neck) forward puts strain on the muscles of your upper back.
Holding your head up (but not tilted back – your chin shouldn’t be sticking out or tucked in) will let your shoulders fall into place and reduce tension on your back.
BBC Health Correspondent and family GP Dr Sarah Jarvis advises: "Most everyday aches and pains only last until the underlying damage is healed and we often need a little relief just to help us through that period.
"Your pharmacist will be able to guide you if you’re not sure whether you need to see a doctor. Some pains such as muscle and joint pain or swelling are best treated with an anti-inflammatory tablet like Care Maximums Strength Ibuprofen Tablets (from £0.99, independent pharmacies).
"Some aches and pains respond well to topical products like Movelat gel or cream (£7.99 for 80g, from Boots) – speak to your pharmacist."
Try Acupuncture
Complimentary treatments like Acupuncture can also help release pain and tension. Fine, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted painlessly into acupuncture points situated along channels within the body.
This triggers a healing response which corrects the imbalance and enables the person to feel a greater sense of well-being.
According to Maureen Cromey, acupuncturist and British Acupuncture Council member: "By stimulating different points on the body, acupuncture can be extremely beneficial for back pain, providing long term pain relief and reducing inflammation.
"Painkillers often numb the end symptom, mask the problem and don't address many of the combined underlying causes."
She added: "With traditional acupuncture we look at the root of the condition as well as the symptoms in order to try and promote longer term health and wellbeing. It's important to recognise that each patient is different and cases of chronic pain should be viewed in the context of the overall health of the individual."
 |
| Complimentary treatments like Acupuncture can also help release pain and tension |
Spice things up
Natural supplements such as Devil’s Claw Root and Turmeric can also help to relieve back and joint and even arthritic discomfort.
One double-blind trial found that Devil’s Claw was helpful in reducing acute low back pain.
Another clinical trial found Devil’s Claw can be used to help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as the slow-acting analgesic / cartilage-protective drug diacerhein.
Try Nature’s Best Devil’s Claw (£13.05 for 60 tablets, naturesbest.co.uk)
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus