Back Pain

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Back pain can have a significant impact on all aspects of life including daily activities, family life, work, recreation, and social activities. But there’s a lot you and your healthcare team can do to deal with back pain so you can get on with life.

Whether you have pulled a muscle in back-yard antics or experienced chronic back pain, in this article we explore what back pain is, back pain treatments and therapies, as well as back pain relief products.

What is back pain?

You are certainly not alone if you are experiencing back pain. Back pain is a very common problem experienced by millions of Australians. In 2014-2015, 3.7 million Australians reported experiencing back pain, and it is estimated that around 4 out of 5 people have low back pain at some time in their lives.

There are two broad types of back pain. The first is acute back pain, a short-term back pain that comes on quickly but typically goes away within three to six weeks. Some people experience longer-term back pain, which is also known as chronic back pain, a type of back pain that lasts more than three months.

What causes back pain?

You might be surprised to learn that your back is a very complex structure, the central feature of which is your ‘S’-shaped spine. The spine is made of vertebra and spongy tissue called intervertebral discs which stack together to give your spine flexibility and strength. Your spine has many complex layers of muscles and ligaments to provide your spine with the support it needs to connect your brain to the rest of your body.

In about 4 in 5 cases, back pain does not arise from any serious medical condition, like arthritis,  sciatica, or osteoporosis, but rather the back pain originates from nonspecific damage or abnormalities on any of the structures of your spine, including the vertebrae, spongy disks, or muscles surrounding it.

The most common causes of back pain include:

• repetitive or heavy lifting (manual handling)
• sudden awkward movement
• not getting enough regular physical activity (being sedentary)
• poor posture
• being overweight or obese
• stress which can cause muscle tension.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

It is possible to experience back pain anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the buttocks, and sometimes this even extends to one or both legs. This can make daily activities like bending, lifting, sitting, and walking difficult.

If you’re experiencing back pain, you may notice that your ability to move your torso is limited. Additionally, applying pressure to the joints of your spine may cause tenderness. It’s important to be aware that nerve compression could be the cause if you’re experiencing a reduction in reflexes, strength, or sensation in your legs.

Is there a link between anxiety and chronic back pain?

Many individuals who experience back pain often feel anxious about their recovery. Those with persistent back pain may develop a fear of movement and activity, including work, as they worry it may exacerbate their pain. Living with persistent back pain may also cause mood issues, such as anxiety, irritability, frustration, and depression.

Can stress cause back pain?

Stress can impact your body in many ways, including contributing to contribute to chronic back pain in several ways.

A side effect of stress can is muscle tension and fatigue, which leads to stiffness and discomfort in the back. Stress can also affect posture and body mechanics, resulting in strain on the back muscles and ligaments.

In addition, reduced physical activity and improper sleep associated with stress can further weaken muscles and increase pain sensitivity. Psychological factors like anxiety and depression have been linked to chronic back pain.

For these reasons, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment approach looking at the back pain as well as any secondary factors that might influence it.

Seeing a healthcare professional is the key to recovery

Because back pain can be so complex, your doctor or healthcare professional is a critical first step to assess your situation and determine if there is an underlying cause of your back pain.

If you go to the doctor, it may be helpful to be prepared with information that they will need to assess your condition. Answering the following questions and conveying the answers to your doctor might help them understand your situation better and provide a comprehensive back pain treatment plan:

By explaining to your doctor or healthcare professional your unique situation, whether you have pain around ribs and back symptoms, or you have recently had a pulled muscle in your back, your doctor can recommend a course of treatment, whether it be medication for back pain, physical exercises, or other back pain relief products.

It is important to note that when it comes to back pain, imaging techniques like X-rays, CT or MRI scans are often not useful and unnecessary, which is why they are mostly not recommended in most cases.

Treatment options

Luckily, there are many things you can do to manage back pain, and here we discuss just a few. Whether you need medication for back pain or other severe back pain treatments, a conversation with a doctor or physiotherapist can help address any concerns you may have and help you to better understand your treatment options.

Stronger pain medicines are often not recommended for back pain, as they have been shown to provide little benefit and can cause side effects such as drowsiness, sedation and/or dependence.

Can plant-based medicine be used for the treatment of back pain?

Where other back pain treatment strategies have been unsuccessful or not as effective as expected, including medication for back pain and back pain relief products, your healthcare professional may suggest plant-based medicine for back pain.

Your doctor is the best person to guide you through your back pain treatment and advise you on whether plant-based medicine is suitable for your condition.

Can plant-based medicine be used for long-term treatment of lower back pain?

Where other back pain treatment strategies have been unsuccessful or not as effective as expected, including medication for back pain and back pain relief products, your healthcare professional may suggest plant-based medicine for back pain.

Plant-based medicine, when used under the supervision of a qualified prescriber, can be used for as long as the prescriber feels is necessary. It is important to remember that evidence regarding long-term use is limited, so it is important to keep in contact with your prescriber so that they can assist you on your treatment journey.

We spoke to Dr James Stewart, one of Australia’s leading minds in plant-based medicine who provided a medical view about back pain and traditional treatments.

Dr Stewart is a true believer in focusing on overall health and always promotes a healthy lifestyle as the key. Click below to learn more about upper and lower back pain relief, and traditional and alternative treatments you may wish to discuss with a Doctor.

FAQs

It is important to speak to a healthcare professional who can help with the management of back pain.

Book today if you wish to consult a healthcare professional who is familiar with various back pain relief products and navigating the complex journey of severe back pain treatment.

Click below to learn more about each condition, traditional treatments, and alternative options you may wish to consider.

Sources:

1. Better Health Channel. Back Pain. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Back%20pain
2. Health Direct. Back pain. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain
3. Health Direct. Sciatica. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sciatica