WHAT IS BACK PAIN?
Back pain, especially lower back pain, is quite common in Australia, with one in 6 Australians reported back problems. It usually feels like an ache, tension or stiffness. It can come and go quickly or can persist over a period of time (as long as three months). Even though most people with back pain don’t have significantly damaged spines,
Besides limitation to daily activities, people living with persistent back pain can develop a fear of movement that also leads to stress, anxiety, frustration and depression.
WHAT ARE COMMON BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS?
Back pain can be located anywhere along the spine.
WHAT ARE COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN?
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive manual lifting/handling
- Poor posture (sitting, standing, or sleeping)
- Sudden awkward movement
- Inactive lifestyle
- Injuries
- Poor postures
- Stress
- Being overweight or obese
WHICH TREATMENTS ARE RECOMMENDED TO REDUCE BACK PAIN?
- Stretching exercises
- Heat/Ice pack
- Remedial Massage. Book an appointment now
- Physiotherapy
See a doctor immediately if the pain comes with additional symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness in the leg, weight loss, a recent injury to the back.
WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED IF I HAVE BACK PAIN?
- Inactive
- Heavy lifting
- Negative feelings about chances of recovery
REFERENCES
Tonic Health Media Pty Ltd (2017), Back Pain, myDr, viewed 22 Oct 2019,<https://www.mydr.com.au/pain/back-pain>.
Better Health Channel n.d. Back pain, Victoria State Government, viewed 22 Oct 2019, < https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Back-pain>.
Chronic Low Back Pain n.d., Physiopedia, viewed 22 Oct 2019, < https://physio-pedia.com/Chronic_Low_Back_Pain >