Warning for back pain sufferers

Neal Keeling

September 30, 2008

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MOST back pain sufferers in the north west believe painkillers are the best treatment, but a report warns they should not be relied upon.

Figures show 66 per cent in the region believe they are an effective way to combat pain.

But guidelines now state exercise is crucial to the relief and prevention of back problems.

Research shows positive thinking is vital in minimising the potentially disabling effects of back pain, enabling people to continue normal activities.

But the report, commissioned by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), showed only 25 per cent in the region agreed.

Liz Cavan, of CSP, said: "Painkillers are useful in relieving short-term back problems, but they should not be relied upon.

If you are experiencing occasional or regular bouts of back pain that stop you participating in your normal work or leisure activities, you should seek advice from a chartered physiotherapist."

The CSP has issued an online healthy backs quiz available from next Saturday to October 10 for Back Awareness Week. Go to csp.org.uk

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whistlingdixy (30/09/2008 at 08:27)

I have a bad back/neck recently had to work from home for a week - had accupuncture which worked a treat last time without success.

A TENS machince did the trick, definately good before you go to sleep

Edina Clouds, GREAT Manchester (30/09/2008 at 09:07)

Believe me back pain is no joke.
When pain killers are the only way to deal with it,you have to use them.

citycentre, manchester (30/09/2008 at 09:24)

so the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy says people should consult a chartered physiotherapist

now i am not cynical but...

PW, Manchester (30/09/2008 at 10:17)

Wherever possible, painkillers should only be used to make pain more bearable while exercise is carried out. On their own, they don't cure the problem.

Bean B4, manchester (30/09/2008 at 12:13)

Most so called 'back trouble' is imaginery for the purposes of attention seeking, psychosomatic due to other psychological issues or invented by the bone idle to avoid work.

Same as so called 'migraine'.

Second Row Lump, Manchester (30/09/2008 at 14:10)

I am 6' 7", 40 years old and I have been playing rugby union as a forward for 20 years.

I don’t have a bad back.

Its all down to 'core strength', many people with bad backs have poor abdominal and core strength. This coupled to slouching and poor posture results in back pain.

Do some crunches/sit ups, sit and walk with a good posture, use a firm mattress and watch the pain disappear!

Saying that, its just too easy to pop a few pills and get a sick note!

annea, crumpsall (24/10/2008 at 21:03)

Pain in general is no fun.I have had a back problem for years also Spondylosis in my neck. The reason anyone should go to see a Chartered Physio is that they are trained to the highest degree level. They can not call themselves Chartered if they do not belong to the CSP and they can not work in the NHS without it. CSP means that person is fully insured as well. I know as my husband has gone down that very long hard working highly qualified road. I take anti inflammatory medication after I have done exercise I also do a Martial art so fully understand the benefits of both . don't knock it. oh and I work as well.

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