Tips on How to Manage Back Pain

According to a new study,  about 1 in 10 people worldwide suffer from lower back pain and it is the world’s number one cause of job disability.

Most back pain comes from the working parts of your back – muscles, ligaments and small joints. Your back is simply not moving and working as it should. Therefore, if you suffer from back pain,  you should get your back moving to stimulate its natural ability to recover.

Some important points to note about back pain include:

• Only a few people with back pain have slipped discs or a trapped nerve. Even then, it usually gets better by itself without surgery.
• X-rays and MRI scans can detect serious spinal injuries, but they do not usually help with ordinary back pain. Some doctors mention degeneration:  this means normal changes with age. This does not mean damage or arthritis.
• The doctor may not be able to pinpoint the source of pain in your back. This could be frustrating but it means there is no serious damage to your spine.

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When managing back pain, remember:

• Back pain is common. It may take a long time to recover; this does not mean it is serious.
• Bed rest for more than two to three days will hinder your recovery. The sooner you move, the faster you get better.
• Continue with gentle activities such as walking and swimming. Start slowly and increase gradually as the pain allows.
• Anxiety and stress can increase the amount of pain you feel by increasing the spasm of the muscles.
• If you do not get back to your normal activities quickly, then ask for help.
• You have to get with your life; do not let fear and worry hold back your recovery.

 

Mediclinic City Hospital’s highly experienced orthopedic surgeons also sub-specialize in particular areas to ensure patients have access to the best possible levels of expertise.

There is also a dedicated multidisciplinary team of occupational therapists, nursing staff, physiotherapists and orthotics practitioners who help manage a wide variety of joint disorders both surgically and non-surgically.

Our specialist team:

Dr. Michael Opitz, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics, MBChB, FCS (Orth) SA
Dr. Murad Abdunabi, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics, MBBS, CCST (Trauma & Ortho), Facharzt (Ortho), FRCSI
Dr. Shine Ashokan, Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedics

For inquiries or to make an appointment, please call Mediclinic City Hospital at 04 435 9999.