Lower back pain is very common but fortunately serious or permanent damage is rare. ‘Slipped discs’ or trapped nerves only occur in a small proportion of back injuries and you will usually not require an x-ray or an MRI scan. What you do about your back pain is the most important thing. An attack of back pain can be alarming, but it’s often not as dreadful as you first think. Most back pain usually improves after days or a few weeks. About half the people with backache will get it again within a few years. Between attacks most people return to normal activities.
What you do in the first instance is the most important factor governing your long term prognosis. Rest may be indicated for a day or two at the most, but after that you are actually prolonging your pain and injury if you don’t start getting your back moving as it’s designed to do. If you don’t move your back several things may happen including;
- Stiffness
- Bones become weaker
- Loss of physical fitness
- Depression
- Pain will become worse
- Problem area becomes harder to get better
As soon as you get back pain you should get advice regarding the best way to start moving. Sometimes you will need to stretch a certain way to ease the pain, sometimes you will need to strengthen muscles or be supported with tape. It will only be evident after you’ve been assessed what will be best for you, however, you can be assured that if you leave it too long it will be harder to fix.
In general, an active lifestyle promotes a healthy back. Those of us that do repetitive movements or stay in prolonged positions for long durations are most at risk of suffering from pain. Keep your back healthy and keep your body Moving with Ease with regular maintenance. Pilates classes are a great way to ensure your back is working at its best.
