BACK pain is a bigger health problem in Australia than in any other country in the world and will affect at least 80 per cent of us during our lifetimes.
1. BED REST IS NOT SO HELPFUL FOR BACK PAIN
In the first few days after the initial injury, avoiding aggravating activities may help to relieve pain. However, there is very strong evidence that keeping active and gradually returning to all usual activities (including work) is important in aiding recovery. In contrast, prolonged bed rest is unhelpful, and is associated with higher levels of pain, greater disability, poorer recovery and longer absence from work.
2. BACK PAIN IS COMMON AND NORMAL
Experiencing back pain is like getting tired or becoming sad; we don’t necessarily like it, but it occurs to almost everybody at some point. What isn’t common, however, is not recovering from back pain. Most acute back pain is the result of simple strains or sprains and the prognosis is excellent. Within the first two weeks of an acute episode of pain, most people will report a significant improvement in their symptoms with almost 85% of people fully recovered by three months.
3. SCANS ARE RARELY NEEDED
Both healthcare professionals and members of the public often consider getting a scan “just in case” there is something serious involved in their pain. However, all the evidence suggests scans only show something truly important in a tiny minority of people with back pain.
4. BACK PAIN IS NOT CAUSED BY SOMETHING BEING OUT OF PLACE
There is no evidence that back pain is caused by a bone or joint in the back being out of place, or your pelvis being out of alignment. For most people with back pain, scans do not show any evidence of discs, bones or joints being ‘out of place’. Of course, it is worth noting that many people feel better after undergoing treatments like manipulation. However, this improvement is due to short-term reductions in pain, muscle tone/tension and fear, NOT due to realigning of body structures.
5. SURGERY IS RARELY NEEDED
Only a tiny proportion of people with back pain require surgery. Most people with back pain can manage it by staying active, developing a better understanding about what pain means, and identifying the factors which are involved in their pain. This should help them continue their usual daily tasks, without having to resort to surgery. On average, the results for spinal surgery are no better in the medium and long-term than non-surgical interventions, such as exercise.
WHAT TO DO
The best proven therapy for LBP is a mix of soft tissue, manipulation, mobilisation, articulatory and muscle energy techniques to help bring relief and to encourage movement, the aim always being to get back to normal function.
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