Dr Andrea Coote stands up to back pain

An Apple a Day

WHY DO WE GET BACK PAIN?

There are various stages of back pain, most of which are a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics or a disorder. Most lower back pain is acute, lasting a few days to a few weeks. Pain can begin abruptly following an accident or through lifting a heavy object, or it can develop over time due to age-related changes of the spine.

Your spine is a column of 24 vertebrae linked by tiny facet joints. Stretching from your skull to your tailbone, it encases your spinal cord. In between the vertebrae are discs filled with a jelly-like substance, which serve as cushions. Ropelike ligaments stabilise the spine, and tendons attach the muscles to the spinal column. Injuries can include damage to the intervertebral discs, compression of nerve roots, and improper movement of the spinal facet joints. The single most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament.

NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

You can gain relief from back pain by staying as active as possible. For short-term relief, try applying a cold compress to the affected area 10 minutes on, 60 minutes off and repeat this at least four times. Rather than take over the counter medication, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, why not try a traditional herbal product, such as Sigesbeckia orientalis. Modern, published, clinical research has shown that the herb has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cartilage protective effects, and is shown to be effective in reducing joint swelling, inflammation and pain in arthritis patients.