10 Self-Help Tips For Pain Management

Whether your pain has just come on or you’ve lived with it for years, these tried-and-tested self-help steps can bring you relief.


1. Get some gentle exercise. Simple, everyday activity like walking, swimming, gardening and dancing can ease some of the pain directly by blocking pain signals to the brain. Activity also helps to stretch stiff and tense muscles, ligaments and joints, which can lessen pain.
It’s natural to be hesitant if exercise is painful and you’re worried about doing more damage. But if you become more active gradually, it's unlikely you will cause any damage or harm. The pain you feel when you start gentle exercise is because the muscles and joints are getting fitter.
In the long term, the benefits of exercise far outweigh any increase in pain. Also, if you avoid exercise completely, the lack of activity could lead to other problems like stiff joints, weight gain, heart disease, osteoporosis, poor balance and falls.

2. Breathe right. Concentrating on your breathing when you’re in pain can help. When the pain is intense it’s very easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths which can make you feel dizzy, anxious or panicked. Instead, breathe slowly and deeply. This will help you to feel more in control of the situation and will keep you relaxed and prevent any muscle tension or anxiety from worsening your pain.

3. Read books and leaflets. The Pain Toolkit is a free NHS-endorsed booklet packed with simple practical advice on how to live better with long-term pain. Download the booklet (PDF) or order a copy by telephoning 0300 123 100.  Quote 403298/Pain Toolkit.
You can also download and print out a free 2012 paintoolkit calendar packed with simple reminders or day-to-day pain management.
There is also a list of suggested self-help books and leaflets on The British Pain Society's website.

4. Stay positive. Pain can make you tired, anxious, depressed and grumpy. This can make the pain even worse, making you fall into a downward spiral. Be more kind to yourself. Living with pain isn’t easy and you can be your own worst enemy by being stubborn, not pacing your activities every day and not accepting your limitations. Some people find it useful to seek help from a counsellor, psychologist or hypnotherapist to discover how to deal with their emotions in relation to their pain. Ask your GP for advice and a referral, or read this article on getting access to counselling.

5. Distract yourself. Shift your attention onto something else so the pain isn’t the only thing on your mind. Get stuck into an activity that you enjoy or find stimulating. Many hobbies, like photography, sewing or knitting, are possible even when your mobility is restricted.

6. Share your story. It can help to talk to someone else who has experienced similar pain themselves and understands what you’re going through. Pain Concern, Action on Pain, Arthritis Care and BackCare all have telephone helplines manned by people with long-term pain, who can put you in touch with local patient support groups. The healthtalkonline and youthhealthtalk websites let you watch or listen to videos of other people’s experiences of pain.

7. Get some sleep. "Many people with chronic pain dread going to bed as that's when the pain is worst," says Heather Wallace from Pain Concern. But it’s important to try to stick to a normal sleep routine so you've got the best chance of sleeping through the night. Also, "sleep deprivation can worsen pain", says Heather. Go to bed at the same time each evening, and get up at a regular time in the morning and avoid taking naps in the day. If sleep problems persist, see your GP.

8. Take a course. The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a free NHS-based training programme for people who live with long-term chronic conditions such as arthritis to develop new skills to manage their condition (and any related pain) better on a day-to-day basis. Many people who have been on an EPP course say they take fewer painkillers afterwards. For further details, including how to find your nearest programme, visit www.expertpatients.co.uk. 

9. Socialise. Don’t let pain mean that you lose contact with people. Keeping in touch with friends and family is good for your health and can help you feel much better. Try shorter visits, maybe more often, and if you can’t get out to visit people, phone a friend, invite a family member round for a coffee or have a chat with your neighbour. Aim to talk about anything other than your pain, even if other people want to talk about it.

10. Relax. Practising relaxation techniques regularly can help to reduce persistent pain. There are many types of relaxation techniques, varying from breathing exercises to types of meditation. Ask your GP for advice in the first instance. There may be classes available locally or at your local hospital’s pain clinic. For more information, read this article on relaxation tips.

Low Back Pain:Self Help Exercises

It's not all bad news: research has shown that cyclists who regularly work on their back flexibility can reduce their risk of experiencing low back pain (LBP).Complete these execises pre/post-ride and 24 hrs after each ride

Diagonal Trunk Stretch

Diagonal Trunk Stretch

While sitting on your knees,place your right hand on the left side of the Swiss ball put your other hand on top of it.The roll the Swiss bal forwards and over to the left to create a diagonal stretch for your right trunk.Hold ofr 5 seconds,rep up to 10 times per side

Single Knee Low Back Roll

Single Knee Low Back Roll

Lie on your back with your right knee bent and heel on your left shine.With your left hand,pull your right knee across your body to twist and 'open' your lower back.Turn your neck towards the right.

Hold for 5 seconds,repeat up to 10 times on each side.

Long Seated Low Back Twist

Long Seated Low Back Twist

Sit with your right leg out stretched in front of you

Bend your left knee then cross your foot over the right leg.

Place your right elbow against your outer left knee and slowly rotate your shoulders to the left,to twist your lower back.Hold for 5 seconds,repeat for up to 10 time each side.

Back Pain And Keeping Trim

Excess weight can pull the spine out of alignment and cause a back injury, so it's important to keep your weight down. Aerobic exercises such as cycling, walking and running can help you lose the excess pounds. However, keep in mind that some popular sports, such as golf and tennis, can actually injure your back if not done properly.

It's also important to maintain a healthy diet that's high in fruits, grains and vegetables. In addition to causing weight gain, a poor diet can also make your back weaker and more susceptible to injury.

Causes Of Back Pain

Your back is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves and joints, so pinpointing the exact cause of the pain can often be difficult.
However, most cases of back pain are not caused by serious damage or disease but by sprains, minor strains, minor injuries or a pinched or irritated nerve.
Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home and at work, or it can develop gradually over time as a result of sitting, standing or lifting badly.

Back pain causes include:

• Bending awkwardly
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly
• Slouching in chairs
• Standing or bending down for long periods
• Twisting
• Over-stretching
• Driving in a hunched position
• Driving for long periods without taking a break
• Overuse of the muscles, usually due to sport or repetitive movements (repetitive strain injury) 

Sometimes the pain develops suddenly for no apparent reason. Some people just wake up one morning with back pain and have no idea what has caused it.

Risk factors

Some risk factors increase the risk of developing back pain. These include:

• Being overweight – the extra weight puts pressure on the spine. Use the healthy weight BMI calculator to find out if you need to lose weight. 
• Smoking – this could be due to tissue damage in the back caused by smoking or the fact that smokers tend to have unhealthier lifestyles than non-smokers. Get help quitting. 
• Being pregnant – the excess weight of carrying a baby can place additional strain on the back.
• Long-term use of medication that is known to weaken bones, such as corticosteroids.
• Stress – it is thought that stress can cause tension in the muscles of the back, which can result in back pain.

Depression – back pain can make people feel depressed, which can sometimes result in weight gain leading to more severe pain and worsening depression.

Nick"As part of my back protection regime I always lift with slightly bent knees,if the object that I'm lifting is quite large I find that holding it close to my chest,almost hugging it, and leaning back slightly, also helps,I also find that if I have to stand relatively still for a long period,that bending my knees slightly also helps prevent any undue stiffness developing in my lower back."

Can Exercise Help Back Pain?

Make sure you're doing the right kind of activity to help protect your spine.

Keeping Fit

Gentle exercise can build strong back and stomach muscles to support your spine and maintain flexibility.

Walking and cycling are easy to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Swimming is particularly good for backs, because it strengthens the muscles while supporting the body with water. However, some strokes may not be suitable, so get professional advice.

Getting Started

Following a regular exercise routine is a good idea, but if you have a bad back you should consult your doctor or physiotherapist about what exercise is safe.

Try to get a personal assessment - a qualified physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor can give you an exercise routine tailored to your own needs.

If you go to an exercise class, check it's run by a qualified teacher and that the teacher knows you have a bad back. A lot of commonly performed exercises may not be suitable for you.

Exercise Dos And Don'ts

When exercising, make sure you do:

• Choose exercises suitable to your level and work up gradually
• Take things at your own pace
• Drink water before, during and after exercise
• Do gentle warm-up stretches before and after exercising
• Wear good footwear and appropriate clothing
• Enjoy yourself

Don't:

• Continue with an activity if it hurts your back
• Eat a large meal before exercising
• Perform exercises on a stone or concrete floor
• Exercise if you feel ill
• Do exercises that put weight or excessive strain on an acutely painful joint or spine

Back Care At Work

Back Pain

About 9.3 million working days were lost due to work-related back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders in 2008/9. The main causes of it are poor posture or an awkward twisting movement (bending or reaching), or a combination of the two.
In most cases, the best treatment is to stay active and, if necessary, use over-the-counter painkillers. You may feel like going to bed, but this won’t help and could make things worse. The longer you stay immobile, the weaker your back muscles will become and the more they'll hurt in the long term. For tips on keeping a healthy back,  read more HERE



Sitting

If you spend a lot of your time at work sitting at a desk, make sure you're sitting in the right position in relation to your computer. If you're unsure about correct posture, ask your line manager for a workplace assessment.
If you work on a computer a lot, it's important to take regular breaks. That means for every hour at your keyboard you should rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes.


Lifting

One of the biggest causes of back injury, especially at work, is lifting or handling objects incorrectly. Learning and following the correct method for lifting and handling objects can help prevent back pain.

Here are some key points to lift safely:

• Think before you lift.
• Start in a good position.
• Keep the load close to your waist.
• Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways.
• Keep your head up.
• Know your limits.
• Push, don't pull.
• Distribute the weight evenly.

For more information on correct lifting techniques and safe manual handling, read our guide to lifting safely.HERE

Straighten Up

Straighten Up is a simple, three minute exercise programme for all ages, designed to help strengthen the spine and improve posture.

The British Chiropractic Association wants everyone to incorporate this simple exercise routine into their daily lives.

Why not view the Straighten Up film clip below? You can then see just how simple and easy the exercises are.

Life Style Adjustments

Four in five adults experience back pain at some point, but the back is so complex every person needs individual treatment options. Discover more about how your back works, what can go wrong and how you can prevent back problems.

Back Pain: Making Adjustments

Making small changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of back pain.

Back pain can be caused by many factors. Run through your daily routine and examine the amount of strain you place on your spine.Read our causes of back pain article HERE

Stress

Stress can also create muscle tension, causing a loss in flexibility that can lead to back pain. To reduce stress, try:

• Exercise
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Getting more sleep or listening to music.

If you smoke, stop. It puts you at increased risk for back problems since your blood has trouble delivering oxygen to working tissues, making your back weaker.

Making small changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of back pain.

Laptops & Backache ?

Laptops make us more mobile but they're blamed for a rise in back, neck and shoulder problems.

Almost 215,000 workers suffer from upper limb disorders (ULDs), also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), according to the 2008/9 Labour Force Survey. The increased popularity of laptops may be adding to the problem.
Laptop computers were once used mainly by busy business people who had to work on planes or trains, but not any more.
Thanks to low prices, the rise in home working and wireless internet access, laptops are everywhere. In 2005, laptops outsold desktop computers for the first time ever.
About 8% of the workforce are teleworkers (working from other locations, using the home as a base or working from home). This figure is expected to rise.
The Health and Safety Executive’s 2006 Horizon Scanning paper reports that by 2015, 70-80% of workers could be, at least partially, working away from the office.
“I've seen many people with neck, back and shoulder problems caused by excessive laptop use,” says Tim Hutchful, a British Chiropractic Association-registered chiropractor.

Posture Advice

Bad posture is inevitable because of the way laptops are designed, says Levent Caglar, senior consultant ergonomist at the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA).
“The main problem is the keyboard being attached to the screen,” he says.
“You need the screen at arm's length but you need the keyboard near you, so you push the laptop further back, then your hands stretch out, then you hunch your shoulders.
"That creates bad posture. If I were designing a laptop, I’d do it with a detachable screen.
“The average human head weighs quite a lot. If it’s in the ideal position, balanced above the shoulders, it’s fine.
“But when you use a laptop, your ears are further forward than your shoulders. That’s like taking a weight and holding it out at arm's length.
“The load through your spine is much greater and, even worse, it’s a static load. You’re not moving. This causes neck, upper back and arm problems."
Tim says that laptops are fine when used properly. "There are plenty of ways you can make your laptop safer and more comfortable,” he says.

Laptop Use Tips

Use a separate keyboard and mouse so that the laptop can be put on a stand and the screen opened at eye level.

• Use your laptop on a stable base where there is support for your arms, and not on your lap.
• Take regular breaks. If you’re moving, there’s a lot less stress on your muscles and joints.
• Adopt good sitting posture with lower back support, and ensure that other desk equipment is within reach.
• Get into good habits before the aching starts. Neck, shoulder and back problems gradually build up over time.

Stay Mobile & Keep Working

If you have long-term pain, it's important to keep active. If your body stiffens up it can make the pain worse, so resting is not always the best way to deal with pain.

Things You Can Do

Painkillers:
If painkillers help you, take regular pain relief. Use paracetamol as it's safer than anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, unless you have a clear injury that occurred in the past few days. Pharmacists can advise you on pain relief and what to do if you're having side effects.

Pain Gone:The Drug Free Pain Relief Pen

Exercise:
Try to do gentle stretches, movements and warm-up exercises throughout the day. Take care not to overdo it. Ask your GP about Exercise on prescription schemes. Your GP can refer you to a fitness instructor at a local leisure centre who will design a fitness programme that is adapted for you.

Pace Your Activity:
Do something active every day instead of only on the good days when you're not in so much pain. This may reduce the number of bad days you have and help you feel more in control.

Osteopaths And Chiropractors Specialists:
May be able to help with short-term pain relief, but it's not recommended that you use these treatments in the long term. It’s important to be able to manage the condition yourself.

See A Physiotherapist:
Physiotherapists use a wide variety of treatments for pain. They also help with posture. For instance, if you have a painful condition, you may lean away from the site of the pain (for example, using a stick or crutch). The longer you lean away, the more difficult it is to get upright again. This can put pressure on the other side of your body and cause problems there. It’s important to use your muscles rather than relying on collars, braces, corsets, tubigrips and wrist splints.
You need a referral from your GP to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are often based in hospitals, but some are available in GP surgeries.


Occupational Therapy Occupational Therapists (OTs):
These are specialists who work with people with long-term pain and give expert advice on how to carry out day-to-day activities in spite of pain. They can assess your home to identify whether devices such as stair rails could help you lead an independent life. They can also advise you on how to get back to work gradually. They can produce a 'graded return-to-work' plan for you and liaise with employers.

Work

It's important to try to stay in work. Research shows that people become less active and more depressed when they don't work. This, in turn, leads people to take even more time off. If your employer is not sympathetic you may need a letter from your GP explaining your condition.
If you've been off work, you could go back to work gradually. This is called a 'graded return'. You may start with one day a week and gradually increase the time you spend at work.
When you do go back to work, take care not to overdo it. Change your position at regular intervals and take proper breaks.

Go On A Course

The Expert Patients Programme is a six-week course for people with chronic or long-term health conditions. You'll work with health trainers who themselves have long-term health conditions. They will help you relax, develop new life goals and work on ways of building up your stamina. Together with the tutors you will develop a plan to help you live with your pain.

Types Of Back Pain

Neck Pain

Neck pain refers to any pain experienced in the area from the base of the skull to the shoulders and can spread to your upper back or arms.

This can include feelings of stiffness or tightness, as well as sharp pain and, in severe cases, can reduce the movement of the neck and head. Neck pain can also cause tension headaches.

Most muscles in the body will relax completely when they are not being used, but the muscles in the neck are permanently tensed in order to support the head. Although most common in people over 50, neck pain can develop at any age as the result of excess strain on the neck. This could include slouching, sleeping in an awkward position or working at a computer for long periods of time without a break.

Neck pain can also develop as the result of an accident. Perhaps the best known is whiplash; an injury sustained as a result of the head being thrown forward and back in a car accident.

Neck pain is rarely the result of a serious injury and will often lessen after a few days. If you are suffering from neck pain, try to keep moving and maintain your normal routine as best you can. Over-the-counter painkillers may also help.


Upper And Middle Back Pain

The upper and middle back refers to the section of vertebrae, known as the thoracic vertebrae, which runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of your ribcage. This type of back pain is less common than neck or lower back pain as the bones in this area are not required to move and flex as much.

Like many other types of back pain, upper and middle back pain can range from aching and stiffness to a sharp or burning sensation. Pain in this area is often the result of pinched nerves in the spine by the ribs.

One cause of back pain in this area is poor posture. Try to keep your back as straight as possible and balance your weight evenly on both feet. When sitting, keep your shoulders rolled back and be sure to adopt suitable positions when driving, sitting or using computers.

For more advice on ways you can protect your back, see the 'preventing back pain' section of this guide.

Lower Back Pain

This is the commonest type of back pain with around 8 out of 10 people affected at some time in their lives. The lower back is defined as the area between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the legs. Symptoms range from tension and stiffness to pain and soreness.

Most people's back pain is described as non-specific, meaning it is caused by structures in the back as opposed to rare conditions such as cancer or a fracture.

The back is a delicate area of muscles, nerves, bones and joints and is continuously working hard to support the weight of the upper body. Lower back pain is often triggered by everyday activities such as bending awkwardly, lifting incorrectly, standing for long periods of time, slouching when sitting and driving for long periods without taking breaks.

The 'preventing back pain' section of this guide has advice on guarding against these common causes of back pain and includes tips on lifting correctly, sitting properly, using computers and avoiding back pain caused by driving.

Buttocks And Legs (Sciatica)

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body and runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.

When something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause a pain that radiates out from your lower back and travels down your leg to your calf. This can be mild to very painful.

The most common cause of sciatica is a slipped disc. This occurs when one of the discs that sit between and cushion the vertebrae is ruptured. Most cases of sciatica will pass without the need for treatment. A combination of the self-help measures described in this guide such as over-the-counter painkillers, exercise and hot or cold packs can usually relieve the symptoms.

For persistent sciatica, you may be advised to try a structured exercise programme under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to control the symptoms.

Urgent (Red Flag Symptoms)

Most cases of back pain will usually get better without medical help. However, there are a number of warning signs, known as 'red flags', which may indicate that your back pain is serious.

These red flag signs include:

·         A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100F) or above
·         Unexplained weight loss
·         Constant back pain that does not ease after lying down or resting
·         Pain that travels to your chest or that is high up in your back
·         Pain down your legs and below the knees
·         A recent trauma or injury to your back
·         Loss of bladder control
·         Inability to pass urine
·         Loss of bowel control
·         Numbness around your genitals, buttocks or back passage

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, contact your GP immediately. If this is not possible, you can telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

You should also seek medical advice if you are having back pain and:

·         You are under 20 or over 55 years old
·         You have taken steroids for a few months
·         You misuse drugs
·         You have or have had cancer
·         You have a weakened immune system as a result of chemotherapy treatment or a medical condition such as HIV or AIDS

Also contact your GP if your symptoms fail to improve within three days or you have persistent pain that lasts longer than six weeks.

Preventing Back Pain

To avoid back pain, you must reduce excess stresses and strains on your back and ensure that your back is strong and supple.
If you have recurring bouts of back pain, the following advice may be useful:


Lose Any Excess Weight

You can use the body mass index (BMI) healthy weight calculator to find out whether you are a healthy weight for your height.
Wear flat shoes with cushioned soles, as these can reduce the stress on your back.
Avoid sudden movements or muscle strain.
Try to reduce any stress, anxiety and tension.

Posture

How you sit, stand and lie down can have an important effect on your back. The following tips should help you maintain a good posture.

Standing

Stand upright, with your head facing forward and your back straight. Balance your weight evenly on both feet and keep your legs straight.

Sitting

You should be able sit upright with support in the small of your back. Your knees and hips should be level and your feet should be flat on the floor (use a footstool if necessary). Some people find it useful to use a small cushion or rolled-up towel to support the small of the back.

If you use a keyboard, make sure that your forearms are horizontal and your elbows are at right angles.

Driving

Make sure that your lower back is properly supported. Correctly positioning your wing mirrors will prevent you from having to twist around. Foot controls should be squarely in front of your feet. If driving long distances, take regular breaks so that you can stretch your legs.

Sleeping

Your mattress should be firm enough to support your body while supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks, keeping your spine straight. If your mattress is too soft, place a firm board – ideally 2cm thick – on top of the base of your bed and under the mattress. Support your head with a pillow, but make sure that your neck is not forced up at a steep angle.

Exercise

Exercise is both an excellent way of preventing back pain and reducing any back pain you might have. However, if you have chronic back pain (back pain that has lasted more than three months), consult your GP before starting any exercise programme.
Exercises, such as walking or swimming, strengthen the muscles that support your back without putting any strain on it or subjecting it to a sudden jolt.
Activities such as yoga or pilates can improve the flexibility and the strength of your back muscles. It is important that you carry out these activities under the guidance of a properly qualified instructor.
There are also a number of simple exercises you can do in your own home to help prevent or relieve back pain.

Wall Slides: stand with your back against a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch so that your knees are bent to about 90 degrees. Count to five, then slide back up the wall. Repeat five times.

Leg Raises: lie flat on your back on the floor. Lift each heel in turn just off the floor while keeping your legs straight. Repeat five times.

Bottom Lifts: lie flat on your back on the floor. Bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. Then lift your bottom in the air by tightening your stomach muscles while keeping your back straight. Repeat five times.

At first, do these exercises once or twice a day, then gradually increase to six times a day, as your back allows.
These exercises are also useful for 'warming up' your back. Many people injure their back when doing everyday chores at home or work, such as lifting, gardening or using a vacuum cleaner. 'Warming up' your back before you start these chores can help to prevent injury.

Read Here for more information and advice about Exercises for back pain.


Lifting And Handling

One of the biggest causes of back injury, especially at work, is lifting or handling objects incorrectly. Learning and following the correct method for lifting and handling objects can help to prevent back pain.
Think before you lift: can you manage the lift? Are there any handling aids you can use? Where is the load going?

Start In A Good Position: your feet should be apart, with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance. When lifting, let your legs take the strain – bend your back, knees and hips slightly, but do not stoop or squat.
Tighten your stomach muscles to pull your pelvis in.
Do not straighten your legs before lifting as you may strain your back on the way up.

Keep the load close to your waist: keep the load as close to your body for as long as possible with the heaviest end nearest to you.

Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways, especially when your back is bent. Your shoulders should be level and facing in the same direction as your hips. Turning by moving your feet is better than lifting and twisting at the same time.

Keep Your Head Up: once you have the load secure, look ahead, not down at the load.
Know your limits: there is a big difference between what you can lift and what you can safely lift. If in doubt, get help.

Push Rather Than Pull: if you have to move a heavy object across the floor, it is better to push it rather than pull it.

Distribute The Weight Evenly: if you are carrying shopping bags or luggage, try to distribute the weight evenly on both sides of your body.

Stay Active

Stay Active!

The best way to deal with back pain is to stay active and continue doing regular exercise.

“The advice 20 years ago was to rest, but research has shown that inactivity only makes things worse,” says Dries Hettinga of BackCare, a charity that offers support and information to people with back pain.
“When you’re in pain you may want to stay in bed and not move around, but that results in further [loss of mobility] and will only prolong the pain.”
Staying active means continuing with regular day-to-day activities to avoid becoming sedentary. Examples include walking to the shops rather than taking the car, getting off the bus one stop early, gardening and taking the dog for a walk.
If you experience moderate pain, take painkillers that are available over the counter from your pharmacist or supermarket. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you on how to use your medication effectively.

Exercise Programme

In addition to maintaining an active lifestyle, try to exercise. You can do any activity that gives your body a good workout.
“It’s important to pick an exercise you enjoy,” says Hettinga. “If you do something you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it. There’s no quick fix for back pain so you need to work at it.”
Ideally, your choice of activities should involve elements of endurance, strength and flexibility. Examples include walking, running or jogging, cycling, dancing, swimming, hydrotherapy (exercising in water) and aquarobics.
Consider a variety of exercises as part of a weekly exercise programme, which could include yoga, t’ai chi, working out in a gym and sport in general.
Hettinga says exercise programmes are most effective if performed regularly and over prolonged periods of time.
Aim for at least three to five sessions a week (approximately 30 minutes each session). You may want to build this up over a number of weeks.
Hettinga says an individually designed exercise programme gives the best results. A physiotherapist or exercise professional can help you with this.

Manual Therapy

Hettinga suggests combining an exercise programme with a course of manual therapy, especially when the pain is persistent. Manual therapy is provided by chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.
“Evidence suggests manual therapies can be effective. Your back is examined to see if any joints need to be freed up.
"They can do it with a gentle massage, mobilisation or manipulation. It’s especially helpful if your back is stiff and flexibility is an issue," she says.
Manual therapists are also qualified to advise you on the type of exercises that will be most effective at dealing with your type of back pain.
“You should see improvements after a few weeks,” says Hettinga. “If the pain hasn’t disappeared after a few weeks of treatment, seek further medical advice to explore alternatives.
"There is always something that can be done about back pain, but it requires some work and dedication from you.”

Nick"I can not stress enough the benefit of keeping active when you have back problems,I mention this in various post though out this site,not because I have nothing else to say,but,because it's so important.Laying down can be an excellent way of getting relief from the symptoms of your pain problems ,and indeed I do this myself,(I find laying on my back with my feet shoulder width apart and a pillow supporting the back of my neck/head gives me almost total relief) but only as a way of relaxing.I suppose in some respects I'm fortunate, being on my feet all day and walking as far as I do as part of my job, I don't have to make any special effort to keep moving,but walking is just a part of my back care regime,I stretch, incorporating a few simple T'ai Chi moves,and as I've already mentioned I use the excellent Bodi Tek BackMagic"

Back Magic ?

The Bodi-Tek BackMagic

The BackMagic is specifically designed to relieve back pain due to tight muscles, the loss of lumber curve and poor spinal alignment. Targeting the lumbar region of the lower back the BackMagic is an easy to use solution for spinal tightness and tension.

We all spend way too much time sitting, which negatively alters our posture by flattening our lower back and neck curves.
This inevitably causes stiffness and tightness of the postural muscles that are attached to our spine.  The BackMagic is an effective and portable device that can easily help to alleviate this universal problem.

Use the BackMagic twice a day for only 5 minutes and your spine will become more flexible and your posture will totally transform. You will be able to stand taller and look and feel better in just 10 minutes a day. If in any doubt read the reviews which are everywhere for this simply but effective problem solver.

Health Tip:


If you have a recognised back or neck condition including any Spondylosis, Osteoporosis, Severe Arthritis, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Lesions/Tumours, and Acute Fractures, consult your doctor before use.

Part of your daily routine


Before using the BackMagic read the user guide to maximise the benefits.

Perform a five-minute stretch per session in your desired position. Two sessions a day are recommended, although you may enjoy using the BackMagic even three times a day.  Pay special attention to your daily progress. Individual results may vary. Some users experience immediate relief and noticeable benefits, while others may take several weeks.

Start by using the BackMagic for 1 minute twice a day. Even with this minimum amount of use you should expect to feel the affects as your body adjusts. As your flexibility and posture improve you may want to advance to Level 2. Progression to Level 3 should only be considered if you are high flexible. i.e. you already do  yoga, pilates, gymnastics or athletics.

Handy Tip:


Relax! One of the keys to a good tension relieving stretch is relaxation. Take a deep breath, exhale gently, and let your body weight work together with gravity. You will achieve a greater stretch and arrive at a more relaxed state sooner.

How to use

The BackMagic was designed to make your life more enjoyable through better back health. Use the BackMagic to stretch muscles and relieve back pain due to tight muscles, excessive flexion, and poor spinal alignment. Incorporate it into your daily routine to achieve maximum results. The user guide goes into more detail on the various exercises and routines.

Nick "This has to be the single most useful item that I have bought in my quest for relieving my lower backache,everyone is different and not everyone's back will respond in the same positive way,all I can say is that it's worked form me.5 minutes in the morning before I leave for work and then 5 minutes in the evening before bed, with the Back Magic set at the lowest setting,with my arms by my sides,palms face down and with my knees up with the soles of my feet flat on the floor,when the 5 minutes is up, I found it easier to roll over onto my side and lay still for 30 seconds or so and then slowly sit up and then stand up,slowly."



Bodi-Tek Back Magic Available HERE