Low back pain is an incredibly common condition, estimated to affect around one-third of the UK population each year, with nearly everyone experiencing it at some point in their lives.
It can occur at any age, but is more common as we get older. It can commonly come on for no apparent reason, but appears more common in those who are overweight, less active or those working in very manual or sedentary jobs.
Information on managing pain associated with office- based work, including work-station self-assessment and exercises to complete at your desk can be found in the self care section of the website under the office workers section.
What is clear from the research is that maintaining good physical and mental health reduces our risk of suffering from prolonged 'chronic' spinal pain, so there is plenty that we can do to help ourselves manage this condition.
Below you will find external links to further information regarding lower back pain and how best to manage it.
Lower Back Pain can often occur with symptoms of leg numbness, leg pain and weakness. Sometimes this may be described as 'sciatica' or a 'pinched nerve'. This is as a result of irritation or compression of a nerve root, these symptoms although distressing and often irritating do not usually require immediate emergency medical attention.
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare but serious condition which affects the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord. This condition can lead to permanent damage or disability and needs to be assessed by an emergency spinal specialist team. The Cauda Equina is the nerves involved in the control of the pelvic organs and the lower limbs. The nerves controlling the bladder and bowel are extremely vulnerable, without treatment to relieve pressure it can result in a range of serious problems, including permanent paralysis, impaired bladder and bowel control, loss of sensation and chronic pain.
The Musculoskeletal Association of Charted Physiotherapists have produced information safety cards translated in to more than 30 languages; with the warning signs If you have started to experience any of these warning signs in the past 2 weeks, or it’s been longer but they are rapidly worsening you should seek immediate medical attention by attending A&E. If you have been experiencing the symptoms for significantly more than two weeks, please seek an appointment as soon as possible with your GP practice; ideally with their First Contact Musculoskeletal Practitioner if available. Cauda Equina Syndrome Warning Cards can be found Here.
Please see the video on the right of this page which provides further details about what concerning symptoms to look out for and where to seek help
Understanding MRI's and how they actually help us understand and treat your back pain.
There are many misconceptions surrounding back pain, this can create fear, which causes people to stop doing many of the activities they need to do to address the problem. Explore some of these truths and myths about spinal pain.
Pilates Exercises aims to strengthen the body in an even way, with particular emphasis on core strength to improve general fitness and wellbeing.
NHS fitness studio contains a range of free videos for healthy exercise and physical activity including videos relating to Pilates for Low Back Pain.
If you are suffering with longstanding lower back pain and need more advice and information about how to manage it see the longstanding pain section of our website.
