Physio South - physiotherapy,rehabilitation,gym,evidenced based,spinal, backcare

Back pain or ache is usually not due to any serious disease.
Most back pain settles quickly, at least enough to let you get on with normal life.
Back pain need not cripple you unless you let it.
About half the people who get backache will have it reoccur within a couple of years, however that still does not mean it is serious. Between attacks, most people return to normal activities with minimal symptoms.
It can be very painful and you may need to reduce some activities for a time. Nevertheless, rest for more than a day or two is usually unhelpful - keep moving.
Your back is designed for movement. The sooner you get back to normal activity the sooner your back will feel better.
The people who cope the best are those who stay active and get on with their life despite the pain

GUIDELINES

Live life as normally as possible. This is much better than staying in bed.
Keep up daily activities, they will not cause damage. Just avoid heavy lifting, poor posture and prolonged forward bending.
Try to stay fit - walking, cycling or swimming will exercise your back and should make you feel better.
Start gradually and do a little more each day so you can see the progress you are making.
Either stay at work or go back to work as soon as possible. If necessary, ask if you can get lighter duties for a week or more.
Be patient. It is normal to get twinges or aches for a time.
Don’t listen to people’s horror stories. They are usually nonsense.
Don’t rely on pain killers - stay positive and take control of the pain yourself. Try to find out what is causing the pain; this will help you understand it.
Don’t stay at home or give up the things you enjoy.
Don’t worry, back pain does not mean you are going to become an invalid.
Don't get depressed on down days.
Be positive and stay active, you will get better results quicker and have less trouble later.
Don’t pursue treatments which are non educational and in which you are a passive recipient of the treatment. Treatment can only help when combined with all of the above.