Back Pain | Bartley Green Medical Practice

Back pain affects thousands of people, but in most cases is not serious and medical treatment is not always necessary.

Most Back Pain is Caused By

Stiffness or spasm of the muscles caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable position
Doing activities you are not used to

Other Causes

Being overweight
Pregnancy
Incorrect lifting techniques
A disc between the base of the spine moving out of position or pressing on a nerve

Common Back Problems

Pain of the upper or lower back
Pain spreading from the back of the thigh to the ankle (sciatica)

Back Problems Can Be Prevented By

Keeping active
Keeping to a healthy weight
Sleeping on a firm mattress
Lifting heavy weights correctly - crouch down, straighten knees and keep your back straight

Treatment at Home

Stay in bed, but no longer than one or two days
Massage the painful area; apply heat
Take painkillers
Exercise gently

Visiting Your Chiropractor

Treatment consists of well defined manipulation techniques which are aimed to improve joint pain and muscle spasms. Chiropractic is currently the second most frequently consulted complementary therapy. The Medical Research Council have found that chiropractic is more effective than hospital outpatient treatment for lower back pain.

Chiropractic treatment is particularly favoured for easing back pain, sciatica, tension, neck, shoulder and arm pain.

Page Last Edited On 19/09/2007