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General Advice for Low Back Pain
Low back pain is unnecessarily common and can
generally be avoided by preventative treatment, exercise (e.g. swimming,
yoga or Tai Chi) and appropriate posture. This includes everyday posture
and not just whilst bending and lifting.
If it is a recurrent problem, then it is unlikely to
resolve without appropriate treatment and management. The latest GP
guidelines indicate that in the large majority of cases (including disc
injuries) one should remain as mobile, as possible and to seek a ‘manipulative
therapy’ (such as osteopathy or chiropractic) at the earliest
opportunity. Bed rest will only maintain the inflammation, whereas if
you move regularly the inflammation is more likely to drain away from
the area and therefore heal quicker.
If sharp pains and/or small areas of numbness are
experienced in the legs then consult an appropriately qualified
practitioner and your GP.
Hospital is indicated if any of the following are present:-
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Large areas of numbness in the leg/s and especially around the anus
and genitalia.
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Incontinence of bladder/bowel.
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Inability to urinate/defecate - that is not solely due to pain of
‘forcing’ or constipation, such as, from taking
pain-killers/anti-inflammatories.
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Loss of power in the leg/s - that is not solely due to pain.
The above symptoms are just as important without low
back pain. If in doubt contact the relevant authority for
advice/treatment. Generally speaking - more immediate treatment is
likely to bring quicker relief.
First aid for low back pain - alternating ice
and heat for 5 mins each at regular intervals will help reduce
inflammation. Not too hot or cold - i.e. wrap a bag of frozen peas in a
towel to avoid sticking.
Stay as mobile as possible, avoiding
bending/lifting and try to breathe slowly, deeply from the diaphragm and
through the nose. Becoming anxious or ‘stressed’ will only
exacerbate the symptoms.
©Andrew
C. Woodhouse BSc (Hons) Ost
Liverpool Wellbeing
& Yoga Centre
37 Hope Street
Liverpool
Merseyside L1 9EA UK
0151 709 9169
LiverpoolWellbeing.com |
7 Town Lane
Little Neston
NESTON
Wirral Cheshire
CH64 4DE UK
Tel: 0151-336-6222
Neston is on the Cheshire side or the Cheshire /
Merseyside border of the Wirral, mid way (10 miles) between Liverpool
Merseyside & Chester Cheshire. |
Wirral Complementary Health Clinic
Penrhyn House
1A Penrhyn Avenue
Thingwall Wirral
Merseyside CH61 7UP
Tel - 0151 648 6870
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