Back Pain

Around 80% will at some point experience significant back pain.

The back and neck are one of the parts of the body which are most susceptible to pain. Around 80% of the population will at some point experience significant back pain in their lives. It is one of main reasons for sickness and absenteeism in the work place. It affects all ages and can happen at any time of their lives no matter what level of fitness, health or occupation.

Painful disorders such as acute neck strain

The joints in the neck are compacted together and this makes it vulnerable to several painful disorders such as acute neck strain. This is more common in office workers who sit over their desk all day with their neck unsupported. Another common problem with the neck is cervical spondylosis which is commonly referred to as neck arthritis. This affects the joints between the vertebrae and the neck. As you get older your neck becomes less pliable due to the discs in the vertebrae losing fluid and become narrower. Pain and tingling in the arms and hands is a common symptom of this. Painkillers or a surgical collar are often used to treat this.

All types of Back pain are generally short term although can be long term. Most back pain is the result of trauma to the back and can be treated.

Here are some red flags that you are indicators of future back problems.

• You are younger than 20 or older than 55 when you get back pain for the first time.

• The pain follows a violent injury, such as a road traffic accident.

• The pain is constant and getting worse.

• The pain is in the upper part of the spine.

• You have had cancer in the past or at present.

• You are on steroids.

• You are a drug abuser, or have HIV.

• You are generally unwell yourself.

• You have lost a significant amount of weight.

• You continue to have great difficulty bending forwards.

• You have developed a number of problems in your nervous system (e.g. numbness, loss of power, etc).

• You have developed an obvious structural deformity of your spine.