Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

There are many reasons why people experience back pain. Most acute attacks of back pain are caused by ligament strains or muscle sprains, giving rise to an immediate flare of pain when you’re in the middle of performing some physical activity or making your back ache and twinge at the end of a long day. Typical causes of acute injuries include:

• Poor posture
• Lifting heavy objects
• Lifting without using safe techniques
• Doing more than you’re physically capable of
• Repeating certain movements over and over again
• Making sudden, awkward movements

These are all risks you can avoid by adopting good posture and safe manual handling techniques, combined with regular exercise that strengthens muscles and connective tissues.

Back pain may also be caused by:

• Injury from falling or tripping
• Road traffic accidents
• Osteoarthritis
• Ruptured or bulging disks
• Scoliosis (curved spine)
• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• Nerve damage or neuropathic pain

Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis and scoliosis can cause chronic back pain, but the BodyWorks Medical Center team has the skills and experience to relieve the effects of back pain no matter what the cause.

What is the treatment for back pain?

You can ease the discomfort of mild back pain by:

• Resting your back but avoiding prolonged bed rest
• Avoiding the activity that caused the problem
• Practicing some gentle exercises
• Applying heat packs to the seat of the pain

Gentle movement is better than immobilizing yourself, but be careful not to overdo things and make the pain worse. If there’s no improvement after a few days, make an appointment to see the BodyWorks Medical Center team for an assessment.

There are a number of possible treatments available for back pain, depending on the cause of the pain and its severity:

• Physical medicine
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat and ice
• Magnetic therapy
• Massage therapy
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Traction
• Ultrasound

The BodyWorks Medical Center team provides effective treatment methods based on your individual history and symptoms, using your body’s healing potential rather than pharmaceutical solutions.

How do I stop back pain from recurring?

During your treatment program, your BodyWorks Medical Center practitioner gives you detailed information regarding ways you can strengthen your body and avoid injuring yourself again. Their recommendations include actions such as:

• Taking regular exercise such as swimming
• Practicing core-strengthening exercises
• Building strength and flexibility with yoga or Pilates
• Dieting and healthy living if you’re overweight
• Improving your posture
• Using a correctly adjusted ergonomic office chair
• Getting up and moving around regularly if you normally spend your day seated
• Avoiding heavy lifting tasks
• Practicing safe lifting techniques when carrying
• Avoiding standing still for too long

When you visit BodyWorks Medical Center, you’re thoroughly assessed and given an individual treatment plan that includes information on making adjustments to your lifestyle to promote healing and help prevent any recurrence of your back pain. Call the clinic today, or book an appointment online.