Back pain is extremely common and is becoming a fact of our modern life. Just about everybody will suffer from it sooner or later with a variety of causes. The pain may vary from intermittent discomfort to severe pain that may need complete and full bed rest.

What Causes Back Pain

There is an endless list of causes for the common back pain problem like :

• Muscular strain from moving awkwardly or lifting heavy objects
• Tearing of a tendon or a ligament
• Inflammation of the synovial fluid which surround the joints
• Long-standing displacement or curvature of the spine
• Arthritis of the spine
• Slipped or prolapsed disc
• Vertebral collapse from osteoporosis

• Kidney stones
• Depression and fatigue
• Infections such as viral infections
• Pressure on the nerves
• Bad posture when standing or sitting
• Menstrual period pains
• Obsesity or pregnancy placing strain on the spine
• Injuries or accident
• Ill-fitting or high-heeled shoes
• Depression and fatigue

What Your Doctor Can Do

Severe back pain lasting for more than a couple of days will need further assessment by a physician. All patients with weight loss or severe persistent pain should be examined carefully. It may involve blood tests and X-rays. Your doctor may refer you to an osteopath or a physiotherapist for further treatment.

Osteopaths are particularly adept at treating pain of musculo-skeleteal origin. They are trained to detect more common serious discorders that may present with back pain. Osteopathy is effective and non-invasive.

What You Can Do

• Much of the pain is actually due to muscle spasm. Sometimes this is the only problem or it is secondary to painful skeletal conditions such as vertebral collapse or displacement. Muscle spasm can be relieved by a number of self-help measures including:
• Rest well and do a gentle msaage when the severe pain is over
• Apply local heat or use cold application
• Take ordinary pain relief medication
• Take supplements of between 200 and 400 mg of magnesium taken with multi-vitamins will help raise magnesium levels, in blood and muscle, over a 2-week to 2-month period

How You Can Prevent Back Pain

• Have a comfortable mattress to sleep on and turn it regularly. Many back problems occur gradually as ageing matress fails to support your abck in the optimum way.
• Have a comfortable working chair that support your back fully and ensure that your desk or table is the appropriate height

• When you walk, be aware of your posture, keeping your shoulders down and your head high. Imagine you have a piece of string oming out the top of your head which is being gently pulled from above.
• When you bend, bend from your knees rather than stooping over.
• Do regular exercise, but be careful not to aggravate further your existing back problems.

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