Back pain - the facts
Back pain is one of the most common ailments that affect adults in the UK.
- According to a survey, almost half the adult UK population (49%) report low back pain lasting at least 24 hours at some time in the year
- It is estimated that four out of every five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life.
- Back pain peaks in adults from 35-55 years of age
- The NHS spends more than £1m every year on back pain-related costs
- Nearly 5 million working days were lost as a result of back pain in 2003-04
And these figures don't even touch on both the physical and mental distress many back pain sufferers face every day.
The most normal of things like carrying shopping, standing up at work, or gardening can turn into the most painful of tasks.
Get full medical information about back pain on goodtoknow
Read Denise Gwatkin's story on goodtoknow of how her pins and needles turned into full-blown sciatica
How to beat back pain
Combating the pain is possible, though, by staying active and getting regular exercise. Quite simply, it can:
- Reduce your chances of getting back pain
- Help reduce pain levels and make you feel better
- Speed up your recovery from back pain
- Help you keep doing the things you enjoy
If doing exercise sounds a bit scary, then start small and work up to something bigger. Simple ways to make things better can include
- Getting off a bus one stop early
- Taking the stairs, rather than lift
- Walking up escalators
- Walking or cycling to the shops, rather than drive.
And if you want to take up a new sport, then go for something that you know you'll enjoy, like swimming for instance.
Learn how to protect your back to avoid back pain in the future
For more help with back pain, visit BackCare charity's website
Why not chat with other users about back pain or anything else that takes your fancy
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Edna Allen, about 1 year
I have had Chronic Back Pain for 12 years and take 380grams of Morphine daily, which does not relieve the Pain completely. My problem is mainly due to Nerve Damage, do you think Painmanager would help me.
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Becka, 3 months
Im only 16 and Ive had back pain for about 4 years...maybe more! It's always sore and sometimes it causes me so much pain.... I don't want to go to the doctors....but is there any other way that I can ease the pain? Like tablets from chemists? And I do get my back rubbed occassionally....by mum like!
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