FAQ

Tell me about Back Pain

Don’t worry… you’re not on your own! Some 80% of people will suffer back pain at some stage during their adult life.

The important thing is to obtain an accurate diagnosis quickly. Back pain can be due to a wide variety of causes… so call us as soon as possible and we can discuss whether you need to come and see us, or whether we can help you self-manage your back pain.

In most cases back pain will respond better if you keep moving – and brisk walking is as good as anything!!

Take a look at our Top Ten Tips To keep your Spine in Line.

Top Ten Tips To Keep Your Spine In Line

If you suffer from back pain…

  1. When you get up in the morning but easing as the day goes by …
    • Carry out your exercise regime as soon as you can and keep active on a regular basis by, for example, swimming or cycling.
  2. Which increases as the day goes by…
    • Try to avoid activities which bring on the pain.
    • Protect your back when setting the table, making beds, cleaning the house etc. by propping yourself up with an arm or kneeling down.
    • Rest in the correct position as much as you can.
  3. After sitting or driving for a long time…
    • Try and improve your sitting posture and use a roll (towel or pillow) in the small of your back.
    • Releive your position by standing up and stretching your spine and move around as much as possible.
    • Adjust the height/angle of your desk or chair.
    • Do not lift heavy objects until you have relieved your position.
  4. In bed…
    • Re-arrange your mattress/sleeping position to provide comfort. Ask David Roberts Physiotherapy for more advice.
  5. After vigourous activity e.g. gardening, lifting…
    • Do not slump on an easy chair immediately to relax.
    • Bend backwards while standing to stretch your spine
  6. After standing still for any length of time…
    • Should you lose weight?
    • Avoid high heels.
    • Stand with the correct posture – weight evenly distributed on both legs
  7. Suddenly and with acute stabbing pain, being unable to straighten up or bend down…
    • Be careful – do not move suddenly.
    • Try to get a cushion or pillow and place this on the floor
    • Try to lie down on your front with your hip bones lying over the pillow(s)
    • Lie on the floor for 30-45 minutes and get someone to call a Physiotherapist at David Roberts Physiotherapy.
  8. Are you worried whether you will ever get rid of it?
    • Don’t worry!! It is not true to say that once you have a bad back you have always got a bad back.
  9. And need help…
    • Contact us here at David Roberts Physiotherapy and we can talk you through your back pain.
  10. But don’t want to wait…
    • We can see you immediately… which means a much faster recovery. We run evening and weekend clinics and will also visit you at home.