We asked Philip Sell, consultant orthopaedic and spinal surgeon, what he would want to know if he was suffering from back pain.
What is the cause of my back pain?
In 85% of cases, we’re unable to be precise about why people have back pain. This can be frustrating. It may be more helpful to think about what you can do to make your back better quicker. Research has shown that occupational factors or physical factors only play a small part in back pain. Your genes are probably the most significant factor in back pain.
When should I visit my GP with back pain?
See your GP as soon as possible if the back pain is combined with difficulty in passing urine or numbness between the legs or around the bottom. For people over the age of 55 with new back pain, a previous history of cancer surgery or loss of weight should also be medically checked as soon as possible.
Should I be resting?
You may feel it’s the wrong thing to do, but keep mobile and active. Resting, bed rest in particular, can prolong the duration of an episode of back pain. Most acute episodes of back pain will settle on their own, often within days rather than weeks. Taking pain relief and keeping active will stop stiffness setting in and keep muscles in good condition.
Are there any drugs to help me cope with the pain?
Constant pain can grind you down and make it more difficult to cope. Take a combination of painkillers and anti-inflammatories, such as paracetamol (1g) every six hours and ibuprofen (400mg) every eight hours. Short courses of this type of tablet are very safe, which is why they're available over the counter. Ask your pharmacist if it’s OK for you to take ibuprofen.
Should I be worried that my back pain will get worse as I get older?
No. Even the most serious cases of back pain usually improve with time. As people age, the discs in the back lose some of their water content and become stiffer and less likely to prolapse or have sciatica.
My friends and family have been giving me advice about how to handle my back pain. I’m confused. What should I do?
Back pain and sciatica are common conditions and everyone seems to have a story. Mixed messages about what to do or what not to do can be confusing and a bit worrying. Use reliable information sources and make sure you're treated early.
