Back pain, backache, diagnosis and treatment by Solihull Birmingham Osteopath

Solihull Birmingham Osteopath and Physiotherapist looks at back pain and backache and why so many people suffer from back pain symptoms. John Williams is clinic director of the Solihull Back Pain Clinic in Hall Green, Robin Hood Island, Birmingham. The Back Pain clinic caters for many Birmingham and Solihull back pain sufferers and offers Osteopaths (alternative to Chiropractors) physiotherapists, acupuncture and podiatry. www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk.

At some time in your life you are likely to suffer from back pain or backache. Many days are lost from work because of low back pain. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and in some cases cause severe disability. Many causes are put forward in an attempt to solve this growing problem however there are many factors that we need to consider when looking at back pain.

There are the cases of lifting heavy objects with poor technique which can put extra pressure on the low lumbar discs and in some cases produce a disc prolapse or herniation. Sciatica may then result if the disc material compresses the adjacent nerve root.

Backache with no obvious cause is far more common. Poor posture is often given as the cause but what exactly is poor posture? As we are all individual shapes and sizes, it is likely that many of us will be considered to have poor posture, which is someone´s idea of the perfect shape and position to stand and sit.

Our workstation, driving habits or sleeping position may affect the low back and irritate the spinal ligaments. As we tend to spend a lot of time in bed then attention to selection of the mattress needs to be considered. Memory foam seems to be popular at the moment but whatever you choose, take your time and select carefully.

Pillows are often not considered in the cause of back pain but can play a huge part in why we get backache. How many pillows you should use will depend upon your sleeping position and individual requirements. Experiment and see the difference it can make.

A huge problem over the years is the design and introduction of backrests on chairs. As soon as you introduce a back rest then that is exactly what your back will do - Rest!

Spinal support muscles become lazy and redundant and fail to be able to hold you erect when sitting without support. This produces a slumped position and ultimately stretching of spinal ligaments which produce backache. Try sitting on a bar stool for half an hour without a backrest and see your low back ache soon after sitting.

What treatments are available for back pain or backache? First you need a diagnosis of your condition before a treatment plan can be formulated. Non specific exercises are of little use and specific exercises could help only if tailored to your individual needs. Do not use a hot water bottle in the majority of cases as this will only irritate inflamed ligaments. Try instead using an icepack which will reduce inflammation and ease the pain.

Manipulation of spinal segments may be the answer if you have facet joint locking and these can be freed by spinal manipulation often used by osteopaths (alternative to chiropractors) Regular manipulation of spinal segments could lead to hypermobility so try an avoid being manipulated on a regular basis. Soft tissue manipulation can be very effective and spinal segments can be moved by articulation or mobilisation techniques.

Pain killing medication which gives constipation as a side effect is not helpful if you are suffering prolapsed discs. Straining when you go to the toilet increases intrathecal pressure and will irritate the lumbar disc still further. Drink plenty of water is a good tip in an attempt to soften your stools.

There are many ways that you can treat back pain and backache but as previously described, first you need a working diagnosis.

Solihull Back Pain Clinic specialise in back pain and Birmingham customers can access excellent treatment and care by calling 0121 745 8792