Back pain help from the NHS

8/10 adults in the UK suffer from the very common problem of back pain at some time during their lives, yet there are many  causes of back pain or injury that are preventable. This new online guide to back pain shows you exactly how your back works, how it can go wrong, and how to prevent yourself developing back problems.

The guide has been clinically approved and is packed with both images and videos showing us how to maintain a good posture when driving, at work and at home. It also explains in detail how to lift heavy objects correctly and the different exercises you can do that will strengthen your back.

For those who already experience back pain, the guide offers advice on the treatments available, including stretching, hot and cold packs, manual therapy, keeping moving and painkillers.

To view the new online DIY guide to tackling back pain visit www.nhs.uk/backpain.

GP Dr Knut Schroeder says, “Back pain is most common in the lower back, although people can also suffer in their neck, upper and middle back, lower back and buttocks. No matter where the pain is, it often becomes a real nuisance, sometimes even rendering people almost entirely immobile.

“The back pain guide on NHS Choices is a really useful tool, enabling people to learn about the pain they’re experiencing, how best to manage it, and how it can be prevented. I would recommend anyone suffering with back pain to use the guide and if they’re really concerned visit their GP too.”

Visit the Health A-Z for more information about back pain.