Back Pain Advice

Cork Emergency Departments

 

If you suffer from Back Pain..... Follow these simple steps to stay in control

Back pain affects nearly everyone at some point in his or her life but is rarely serious. Remember that back pain is seldom due to any serious disease.

Here is some simple advice which may help you to control the pain and get back to work as soon as possible.

Pain relief

• Simple painkillers can be used to help manage your pain (follow the instructions)
• A cold pack or local heat can be used for short-term symptomatic relief
• Bed rest for more than a day or two is bad for your back.

Activity

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• It is important to stay active and continue daily activities that you are able to do (the sooner you get going the sooner you will get better).
• Try to remain at work or return soon as possible even if you still have some low back pain. Research has shown that the longer you stay off work the more likely you are to develop chronic pain and disability.
• Manual therapy may help with pain relief.
• Traction and lumbar corsets may be used for pain relief to help you to get active but do not provide lasting benefit. They are only recommended for short term use only.
• Tell your doctor, or chartered physiotherapist about your work duties.
• You may also wish to discuss the problem with your employer.
• Most people are back to normal activities after about six weeks. If not, you should be getting help to get fully active.
• If you have not returned to work after about six weeks you should be discussing the matter with your GP, chartered physiotherapist and your employer about how and when you will be able to return. Your Occupational Health Department or your health and safety representative may also be able to assist you. Temporary adaptation of the job or pattern of work may help.

Warning Signs

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If you have severe pain which gets worse over several weeks instead of better, or if you are unwell with back pain, you should see your doctor. You also need to see a doctor immediately if you have;

• Difficulty passing or controlling urine.
• Numbness around your back passage or genitals.
• Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in both legs.
• Unsteadiness on your feet.

Be positive, stay active, you will get better quicker and have less trouble later.

 

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Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 07/04/2007. Next review 07/04/2008. Content by Physiotherapy Department, Cork University Hospital 2003, Anna O'Brien and Lorraine Wallace Senior Physiotherapists. Adapted from; The Back Book, 2002 Royal College of General Practitioners, U.K.www.workingbacksscotland.com 2000

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