“The advice 20 years ago was to rest, but research has shown that inactivity only makes things worse,” says Dries Hettinga of BackCare, a charity that offers support and information to people with back pain.
“When you’re in pain you may want to stay in bed and not move around, but that results in further loss of mobility and will only prolong the pain.”
Staying active means continuing with regular day-to-day activities to avoid becoming sedentary. Examples include walking to the shops rather than taking the car, getting off the bus one stop early, gardening and taking the dog for a walk.
If you experience mild pain, take painkillers available over the counter from your pharmacist or supermarket. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you on using your medication effectively.
Yoga and other exercises
If the back pain is mild, try to exercise as well as maintaining an active lifestyle. You can do any activity that gives your body a good workout.
“It’s important to pick an exercise you enjoy,” says Hettinga. “If you do something you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it. There’s no quick fix for back pain so you need to work at it.”
There's some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains, including low back pain, depression and stress. Find out more in a guide to yoga
There's also some research to show that pilates can provide pain relief to people with non-specific low back pain. Find out more in a guide to pilates.
Some studies suggest that the Alexander technique, a method for improving posture, can help to relieve persistent and recurring low back pain. However, the Alexander technique is not recommended by NICE as a treatment for back pain.
Ideally, your choice of activities should involve elements of endurance as well as strength and flexibility.
Examples include walking, running or jogging, cycling, dancing, swimming, hydrotherapy (exercising in water) and aquarobics.
For low-impact exercise ideas, read Easy exercises.
Hettinga says exercise programmes are most effective if performed regularly and over prolonged periods of time.
Aim for at least 150 minutes a week. You may want to build up to this gradually over several weeks.
Hettinga says an individually designed exercise programme gives the best results. It is advisable to seek medical advice before starting an exercise routine for back pain.
Manual therapy
Hettinga suggests combining an exercise programme with a course of manual therapy, especially when the pain is persistent. Manual therapy is provided by chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.
“Evidence suggests manual therapies can be effective. Your back is examined to see if any joints need to be freed up.
"They can do it with a gentle massage, mobilisation or manipulation. It’s especially helpful if your back is stiff and flexibility is an issue," he says.
Manual therapists are also qualified to advise you on the type of exercises that will be most effective at dealing with your type of back pain.
“You should see improvements after a few weeks,” says Hettinga. “If the pain hasn’t disappeared after a few weeks of treatment, seek further medical advice to explore alternatives.
"There is always something that can be done about back pain, but it requires some work and dedication from you.”
