Back pain can be unsettling, but is often manageable with the proper treatments and preventable through changes in habits and lifestyle. Unfortunately, back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. 8 out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injury and overuse. Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition and will be tailored to the individual, we will provide hands-on treatment and exercises to target the affected area and suggest ways to prevent back pain in the future.
How Can We Help With Back Pain?
At Body Beliefs, we take a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnoses, treatment and prevention of back pain. We will gather information about your symptoms, relevant health and medical history, how the pain is impacting your daily activities and consider any ergonomic or environmental influences. We will then conduct a thorough osteopathic assessment and examination. This enables us to clearly explain what your back pain problem is, and why it happened. We will then provide specialist, hands-on treatment, and offer exercises and advice to accelerate your recovery and prevent the problem from returning.
The Possible Causes of Back Pain?
In most instances, back pain is not the result of severe damage or disease, but rather from minor sprains, strains, injuries, or nerve compression. Such pain can stem from common activities at home or work and can gradually develop over time.
Common causes of back pain include:
- Twisting Awkwardly - A sudden twist can put the back in a vulnerable position, leading to strain on the joints or muscles, particularly when carrying an object.
- Overstretching & Reaching - Simple actions such as bending to lift small objects, tying shoelaces, or reaching for items in high cabinets can cause back pain if the body is not adequately prepared for them.
- Lifting Heavy Objects - Back pain can often be the result of lifting an object that is too heavy, which can cause strain on the back muscles and ligaments.
- Bending Awkwardly or For Long Periods - Prolonged awkward bending or maintaining an uncomfortable posture can put excessive stress on the ligaments and muscles, resulting in back pain.
- Poor Posture – Staying in one posture for too long, such as prolonged use of computers or mobile devices can lead to problems over time.
- Overusing muscles - Certain lifestyle choices like your occupation, hobbies, or habits, such as excessive phone usage, can lead to overuse of certain muscle groups, leading to dysfunction over time.
Symptoms of Back Pain:
Your back pain may be acute (i.e. lasts a few days or weeks), or chronic (i.e. pain that lasts for 3 months or longer). It might range in intensity from mild discomfort to severe pain that impacts your daily activities.
Back pain can manifest in a variety of ways and the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Dull achy pain
- Sharp pain
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle stiffness and reduced range of movement
- Difficulty moving or standing up straight
- Pain that travels down your glutes (buttocks) and thighs
- Pain that gets worse during activity or movement
- Pain that gets worse when sitting or standing in the same position for long periods
- Postural issues
Some people may also experience numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the back, legs and feet.
How Do We Treat Back Pain?
When it comes to treating back pain, we at Body Beliefs use a variety of techniques to help alleviate pain and improve function. These may include physical manipulation of the spine and other joints, mobilisation, stretching, soft tissue massage, and exercises to improve strength and flexibility. We will work closely with you to identify any underlying causes of the pain and address them through hands-on treatment, lifestyle changes and advice.
At Body Beliefs, we pride ourselves on "exceeding expectations", as evidenced by the glowing 5-star reviews from our satisfied patients on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. To schedule an appointment, please book online or call 01277 676 676.
