Back Pain & Work...
Below are our articles on the subject of Back Pain & Work. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
A Day in the Life of a Back Pain Sufferer
Jan never used to think about her back. That was, until the day she tripped and fell down the stairs. Here is her story of how she copes on her first day back at work....
A Spinal Tap Caused My Back Pain
Lower back pain is the second most common side effect of having a spinal tap (lumbar puncture), after spinal headache. It can last for several weeks, but using painkillers and exercise can help....
Aerobic Exercise for Back Pain
Aerobic exercise is useful in the prevention, managment and reduction of lower back pain. There are many types and every individual should be able to find an activity that they can enjoy and participa...
Ageing, Losing Height and Back Pain
As we age, we start to lose height; after the age of 40, almost 1cm every ten years. After we hit 70, height loss can accelerate and people in their 80s are often around 7cm shorter than they were....
Are Back Braces Useful?
At some time or another, many people suffer from back problems, from a simple strain from lifting something too heavy, through to a serious injury or a problem with growth. Back braces, by providing s...
Back and Neck Braces
Back and neck braces and supports have been used for back pain for many years. There are a wide variety available and each orthopaedic specialist will have their own preferences on which should be sel...
Back Pain and Athletes
Many people suffer from back pain, especially lower back pain, as a result of some type of injury. Because athletes have such high levels of activity, they are at greater risk of injuries to all their...
Back Pain and Cancer
Back pain is generally a sign of a muscle or joint problem. It usually isn't serious, and most people recover from back pain within a few days to a few months....
Back Pain and Depression
Chronic pain increases the risk of deveolping depression, but alternatively, depression also increases the risk of suffering from chronic pain conditions....
Back Pain and Evolution
Low back pain is a common complaint in modern society - but is it caused by modern lifestyles or is it part of the evolution from an ape-like ancestor to humans that stand and walk on two legs?...
Back Pain and Hernia
A hernia happens when part of the body is pushed through a hole (usually a weakened area of muscle) in another part of the body. Hernias can be spontaneous), congenital or traumatic....
Back Pain and Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is usually associated with shakes and awkward movements, but back pain and other pain in muscles and joints can be a common symptom....
Back Pain and Pregnancy
Back apin is vdery common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, changes in the centre of gravity and the growing foetus. Most pregnancy related back ache will resolve after the baby is born....
Back Pain and Quality of Life
How does chronic back pain affect quality of life and do treatments help? To answer these questions scientifically, researchers have devised special tools using carefully constructed questionnaires....
Back Pain and Shingles
Shingles is very unpleasant, and can cause back pain, as well as pain elsewhere in the body. It is caused by the herpes varicella zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is called shi...
Back Pain and Stress
There are clear links between stress and back pain, but it's not always clear which came first. Does stress cause back pain or does back pain cause stress?...
Back Pain Nearly Ruined My Pregnancy: A Case Study
Having a baby is hard work, even if you are fit and healthy but a rough pregnancy, with constant back pain and sciatica can nearly ruin the whole experience....
Back Pain Treatment at Pain Clinics
Back pain clinics are planned clinics that enable patients with long term pain to seek expert help and treatments....
Back Pain: Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Most people spend many hours each day sitting - at work, at home, and in the car, train, tram or bus. Not sitting properly can put a lot of strain on the back, either causing back pain or making it wo...
Back Pain: Information for Employees
People spend many hours every week at work, and what they do there, whether it is handling goods, using heavy equipment, or working at a computer all day, can have a major impact on the health their b...
Back Pain: Information for Employers
By law, employers are obliged to look after their employees and protect their health and safety. This includes the prevention of back pain wherever possible, and looking after employees with back pain...
Back Surgery and Back Pain
For the vast majority (probably 90% or more) of people with back pain, this will resolve naturally within a few weeks, or will respond to treatments such as anti-inflammatories, pain-killers, heat or ...
Bad Back: A Sign of Too Much Surfing?
Sitting hunched over a desk at a computer and surfing the internet for long hours can lead to back pain unless you take steps to strengthen your back and balance your surfing with exercise and activit...
Bags, Backpacks and Back Pain
From tiny handbags for purses and keys to large rucksacks carrying enough for a camping weekend, bags are essential tools for everyday life. The bags that everyone carries every day - rucksacks, backp...
Can Back Pain Be all in the Mind?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for taking time off work. Back pain doesn't always have a physical basis - in some people, the pain is psychosomatic....
Can Back Pain Be Genetic?
Recent research has indicated that the links between back pain and genetics are stronger than initially thought and further tests are being carried out to narrow down the biomechanical issues that are...
Can Back Pain Be the Result of a Lack of Water?
Back pain can be caused by made factors, but the pain may be made worse by something as simple as not drinking enough....
Can Back Pain Ever Get Better?
Back pain is usually a short-term, or acute condition, resolving in a few days or a few weeks - however, for some people, it can become a long-ter, or chronic disease....
Can Diet Improve Back Pain?
Diet may have an impact on certain types of back pain, but just as there isn’t one simple cause of back pain, there isn’t one simple diet solution for back pain....
Can Exercise Help Mild Disk Bulge?
Bulging discs often need no further treatment than some pain killers and some physio or exercise but is this an option for those about to undergo spinal surgery?...
Can I Go Running With Back Pain?
If running does not make back pain any worse, it should be okay to (carefully) continue a running programme, with some changes. Sometimes it's better to switch to another, lower impact form of exercis...
Can Shoes Cause Back Pain?
A beautiful pair of shoes or boots is an essential part of looking great, and makes the person wearing them feel really good. Wearing high heels, or any shoes or boots without cushioning or support, i...
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated the patient may lose bowel and bladder sensation and also be at risk of paralysis....
Causes of Back Pain: Herniated Intervertebral Disc
A herniated intervertebral disc is a common cause of back pain. This article discusses herniated discs including the causes, main symptoms and common treatment options....
Children and Back Pain
Back pain in children is less common than back pain in adults, and unless it's caused by an obvious strain or period of overuse, it can be a sign of a more serious condition....
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic therapy is now widely recognised with healthcare professionals as a beneficial way of helping improve back pain. It uses manipulation of the spinal column to realign the spine....
Coccydinia
Coccydinia is used to describe pain in the tailbone, called the coccyx. It can have many causes and treatments will vary on the severity and cause of the pain....
Correct Posture
This article looks at how important correct seating posture is and what the adverse effects of bad posture can be in relation to the back and the spine...
Cox-2 Inhibitors and Back Pain
Cox-2 inhibitors reduce back pain by blocking the activity of the enzyme cox-2, which is important in the pathways that lead to inflammation and the pain associated with it....
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a natural part of the ageing process and affects many people. Some people live with the condition without pain, others feels high levels of apin. The condition can remain ...
Dehydrated Discs
This article looks at the problems caused by Dehydrated Discs in the spine and looks at what can be done to alleviate the problem should it arise...
Do Spiritual Healers Help Ease Back Pain?
Spiritual healing is baffling scientists as the results shown by those receiving the healing are very positive with many finding their pain is significantly decreased....
Epidurals for Back Pain
An effective method of back pain control, epidurals are administered by an anaesthetist, via a needle and catheter into the spinal canal. They can provide relief from between one week and one year....
Ergonomic Chairs: Do They Help Back Pain?
An ergonomic chair is designed to provide support for the entire body, so that no undue pressure is put on the lower back. Chairs that do this are often called ‘posture seating’ or ‘orthopaedic chairs...
Exercise Ball Therapy for Back Pain
Exercise ball therapy may be used as a method of prevention of back pain occurring. It helps strengthen, tone and devolp muscles, improves balance and co-ordination and teaches correct posture and lif...
Exercises to Avoid When You Have Back Pain
Exercise is one of the best ways to avoid a back complaint from occurring, but there are certain activities that should be avoided in the instance of back pain....
Facet Syndrome or Facet Joint Disease
Facet syndrome is a form of back pain centred on the facet joints in the back. This can happen because of an injury, or in diseases like arthritis....
Facts and Figures About Your Back
The back supports the head and the upper part of the body. It is a complex network of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons....
Focus on Chordomas
A chordoma is a rare form of cancer that affects the spine. It is thought to originate in cells that formed the notochord, an early structure in the embryo that develops into the spinal cord....
Focus on Ewing's Sarcoma
Ewing's sarcoma is a rare cancerous tumour of bone and soft tissue that affects 2 in every million children in the UK. Around 6 times as many patients with Ewing's sarcoma are male....
Functions of the Spine
The spine has many functions, most importantly in providing strength, support and the facility of movement. Other functions include the protection of nerves, a base for rib growth and to absorb impact...
Gadgets to Help With Back Pain
Back pain is reported to lead to 4.5 million days off work every year in the UK, and causes a lot of stress and pain. There is a whole range of gadgets, from the cheap to the expensive, that can help ...
Gene Therapy for Back Pain
Some people suffer from back pain that cannot be treated with current drugs and therapies - this is known as intractable or refractory back pain. Though it is still in its very early stages of develop...
Getting Back to Work With Back Pain
According to the Health and Safety Executive, the longer someone stays off work, the less likely they are to return, and his or her back pain can be made worse by the lack of activity, and by the anxi...
Group Talking Therapy in Back Pain
Whatever the cause of back pain, it's possible that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy, may help relieve the symptoms and the pain....
Healthy Eating and Back Pain
Healthy eating can help with back pain overall by improving general health and well-being....
Hot and Cold Therapy in Back Pain
Something as simple as heat or cold can be helpful for back pain - and the advantages are that it’s generally an easy and cheap form of treatment, with no unpleasant side effects....
Housework and Back Pain
Exercise for back pain isn't just about getting into Lycra shorts and going to the gym. Everyday tasks around the house can be turned into exercise that helps to improve back pain, and strengthens mus...
How Does Your Bed Affect Your Back?
Most people realise that their mattress can affect the health of their back but they do not understand why. Can a mattress really have such a detrimental effect on health?...
How Flotation Therapy Helps With Back Pain
Flotation therapy induces the user into a state of deep relaxation. Whilst totally relaxed in a gravity-free enviroment, muscles and joints are relieved of pressure, therefore pain levels can decrease...
How is Psoriasis Linked to Back Pain?
Arthritis that is linked to psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that tends to affect the joints of the arms and legs. It can also involve the spine, causing severe and chronic back pain....
How To Prevent Back Pain
The chance of suffering a back injury can be significantly reduced by injcluding a few simple precautionary methods into everyday life. Lifestyle, occupation and some general issues can all be adapted...
Infection and Back Pain
Back pain can be a symptom of a number of different bacterial infections, including infections in the urinary tract, or in the spine....
Injuries and Trauma and Back Pain
Injuries and trauma occur due to many causes. Left untreated some injuries can have very serious consequences, so if a spinal injury is suspected, treat it as so until a healthcare professional can co...
Is an Epidural Safe for a Kidney Transplant Patient?
An epidural is a procedure that is carried out to relieve pain felt in the lower body and is often used for those suffering from chronic back pain....
Is Bed Rest Good for Back Pain?
Since the 19th century, bed rest has been thought to be the standard treatment for simple lower back pain, for example from a strain or a sprain. It now seems it makes things worse rather than better....
Is Massage Therapy Right For You Back Pain?
Massage is becoming increasing recognised as a method of pain relief is sufferers of chronic back pain.
There are three methods of delivery, a hands-on approach, the use of ice or using a massage cha...
Is This Pain Due to Use of a TENS Machine?
TENS machines are often very good at relieving pain, but some users are confused at how long they should be left on for....
Ligament Damage and Back Pain
Ligaments give the spine stability and damage can cause pain and instability of the joint. Treated with anti-inflammatory medication, most ligament damage could probably be prevented....
Lower, Middle and Upper Back Pain
Back pain can present in either the lower, middle or upper region, each area having their own causes for the pain with the exception of muscular strain or sprain which is common to all types of back p...
Medication for Back Pain
There are a variety of presxcription and over-the-counter drugs that can be used in the relief of back pain. Each person experiences pain individually and a unique combination of drugs may be needed t...
Minimally Invasive Surgery on the Back
Doctors try to treat back pain without using surgery, through drugs, exercise and physiotherapy, but sometimes back pain becomes so severe, or spinal damage becomes so bad that the only option left is...
Moving And Handling Heavy Objects
Your back is a very important and often taken for granted, but it is very prone to injury particularly when lift, moving or handling of heavy or awkward loads is concerned and preventative measures sh...
Myths About Back Pain
There are myths and stories around every medical condition there is and these can sometimes prevent people from getting the help they need. Let's explore seven of the myths about back pain....
Narcotics for Back Pain
Narcotics agents are not often recommended in the treatment of chronic back pain due to the risks of tolerance, dependence and consequential withdrawal. They are commonly used for acute conditions for...
Office Chairs And Back Pain
This article looks at the part that incorrectly positioned office chairs can play in an individual's suffering of back pain and what steps can be taken to help alleviate the problem...
Online Pain Management
Time with a doctor or nurse is always limited. Any extra information can make all the difference in diagnosis and treatment - this is where a pain diary can be really useful....
Osteoporosis and Back Pain
Osteoporosis is a disorder associated with reduction in bone mass, where the bones become weaker and more brittle. This leads to an increase in the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis can lead to spinal fr...
Physiotherapy for Back Pain
Physiotherapy is a treament available through the NHS that has well known benefits of pain relief, and increasese the movement and function of the human body in the presence of illness, disease or inj...
Products to Help with Back Pain
Back pain is a condition affecting many thousands of people worldwide. Due to this the market for pain relieving products has never been greater with manufacturers offering many solutions to this prob...
Radiofrequency Ablation and Back Pain
Radiofrequency ablation is a relatively new treatment for chronic back pain. The technique uses radiowaves to produce intense heat to destroy individual nerves in the spinal facet joints....
Reflexology for Back Pain
Reflexology has been used in Western society for nearlly 100 years. It's purpose is not for diagnosis or cure, but for the relief of symptoms that can be associated with a variety of medical complaint...
Scheurmann's Kyphosis
Scheurmann's kyphosis is a developmental disorder resulting in a rounded curvature of the spine. It is caused by irregular growth of the vertebrae. Treatments include spinal surgery and the use of a b...
Self Care for Back Pain
By evaluating your own back pain and practising good self care when your back flares up, it is possible to ease your symptoms and recover well, without the need to see a doctor....
Setting Up Your Desk and Chair to Prevent Back Pain
Back pain affects a great many people, and causes a lot of discomfort and distress. It can also result in lost earnings through lost days at work. You can prevent back pain by setting up your workplac...
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Tumours
Most back pain is not caused by a tumour, however a tumour is present the common symptom is pain. Weakness, spinal cord compression and the risk of incidental fractures are also indication that a tumo...
Slipped Disc
This article asks what is a slipped disc and also what are the symptoms of a slipped disc....
Smoking and Back Pain
Smoking is associated with back pain, with smokers reporting more frequent attacks of back pain, which are likely to last longer and be more severe....
Software to Help Back Pain
People who use computers a lot tend to get pain in the back, neck and shoulders. This can be to do with not taking enough breaks, poor posture or problems with how the desk and chair is set up. We tak...
Spinal Arthritis
Spinal arthritis is a very painful condition that occurs mainly in the over 55's. It can limit movement and have a large effect on other areas of a suffers life, it cannot be cured but by employing a ...
Spinal Dislocation
Spinal dislocations are fortunately very rare, and are usually the result of a road traffic accident or a high-impact collision during sports. Immediate treatment is essential as if left untreated, di...
Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures can be the result of a slip, fall, assault or road traffic accident. They can differ in seriousness but all will need medical attention. People with a suspected fracture should not be...
Spinal Manipulation and Back Pain
When pain killers do not seem to be effective or you are reluctant to take them, other forms of treatment for back pain may be an option and this can include spinal manipulation....
Spinal Stenosis Explained
Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spaces between structures of the spine. It is normally a product of the ageing process with the most common underlying cause being arthritis where tis...
Stem Cell Repair and Back Problems
Lower back pain is common, and for many people it becomes a long-term problem, especially if it's due to disc damage. Researchers are looking at using stem cells to create a repair that could be perma...
Steroid Treatment and Back Pain
Steroids are drugs that reduce inflammation and decrease the activity of the immune system, so can help with the swelling, pain, tingling and numbness associated with some back problems....
Strains, Sprains and Back Pain
A strain is the damage to a muscle or a tendon whereas a sprain relates to ligament damage. These conditions are painful though experts now believe that continued mobilisation is the best way to ensur...
Sudden Movements and Back Pain
Sudden movement accounts for the main cause of acute back pain. The muscles and ligaments are ususally the most affected areas. A few basic measures can be undertaken in order to prevent an injury cau...
Surgical Treatments for Back Pain
Spinal surgery is performed when all methods of non-surgical treatment have been exhausted.There are two types of spinal surgery, decompression and stabilization. Surgery can be indicated for herniate...
Swimming for Back Pain
Swimming is a marvellous exercise to help strengthen and support the spine. There are however some consideration to take note of before starting an exercise programme....
Tai Chi for Back Pain Relief.
Tai Chi has been practised in China for many years and now it is growing in popularity in the western world too due to the potential benefits for health....
Taking Part in Clinical Trials
Before a drug company can market a new drug, it has to carry out trials to see how well it works. These start in the laboratory, and these are known as preclinical trials. Once the company can see tha...
TENS Machines
TENS machines are very useful at helping to control chronic back pain. The effectiveness varies from user to user and results can differ with electrode placement. It is recommended that a device is hi...
The Benefits and Principles of the Alexander Technique
The Alexander technique is a practice that aims to help individuals understand how the body, mind and spiritual being are all connected and how to use these forces together to function better....
The Prevalence of Back Pain
Back pain is accountable for being the second most popular reason for GP appointments. Almost all adults will experience back pain in their lifetime, with many having recurring episodes. Statistics va...
The Spine: Non-Skeletal Components
Non-skeletal components of the spine include intervertebral discs, facet joints, a wide variety of muscles tendons and ligaments, the spial canal, spinal cord and the nerves from the spine....
The Spine: Skeletal Components
The human spine is comprised of 7 Cervical vertebrae, 12 Thoracic vertebrae, 5 Lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx....
The Use of Magnets as a Therapy for Back Pain.
Although evidence has failed to show any positive results regarding the use of magnetic therapy, people continue to try it for themselves as sales of the product continue to rise each year....
Tilted Pelvis
This article looks at the condition known as Tilted Pelvis, what causes it and what can be done to cure it and also to prevent it from reoccuring...
Treating Spinal Injuries
Although the spine cannot be mended, we now understand a lot more about how to treat people who have suffered spinal cord injuries. The first few minutes and hours are crucial....
Treatment for Spinal Tumours
Spinal tumours can be either mailignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), they can be treated using surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and with the use of steroids. Some individuals will re...
Types of Spinal Tumours
A spinal tumour is a growth involving any of the spinal structues. It can be either malignant or benign. There are five main types of benign tumour, and seven types of malignant tumour....
Types of Surgery for Back Pain
Spinal surgery is a last resort treatment of back pain. It carries its own risks and is not 100% successful in all cases. Others treatments for back pain should be explored thoroughly first....
Using Acupunture For Back Pain
Acupuncture can be used as a treatment for back pain, though success rates are unclear. Risks are minimal if guidelines are followed and the practitioner is fully trained....
Using Hypnotherapy For Pain Relief
Hypnotherapy is now accepted, even in conventional medicine as a legitimate method of controlling pain. It is a way of re-training the brain's ways in which pain messages are interpreted. The mind can...
Using NSAIDs For Back Pain
NSAIDs are very popular medications for the use of pain, particularly of an acute nature.
They are relatively safe if taken as directed and are inexpensive....
Vitamin Supplements and Back Pain
Back pain affects a great many people in the population, and can lead to people having to take time off work, or miss out on sporting and family activities....
Weight Gain and Back Pain
The lower back, known as the lumbar region, supports the weight of the whole of the upper body. Gaining weight, as well as putting an extra strain on the knee and hip joints, increases the burden on t...
What Are The Main Causes Of Back Pain?
There are many risk factor associated with the prevalence of back pain, some avoidable, others not. By taking some precautionary measures we can reduce our susceptability to developing a back complain...
What Are TNF Alpha Antagonists?
TNF-alpha inhibitors target a molecule in the body called tumour necrosis factor alpha. This can help treat the back and joint pain in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis....
What Happens With Disc Replacement
The aging process can cause the intervertebral disc in our spine to become worn causing pain and discomfort for the person. It may now be possible to treat some of the sufferers with a new operation i...
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is painful chronic condition affecting many people of all ages. It can reduce mobility and significantly effect the quality of life of the sufferer. It can be treated but not cu...
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Applied kinesiology is an alternative therapy aimed at helping achieve a diagnosis for back pain....
What is Back Pain?
A basic description of what back pain is....
What Is Fibromyalgia And How To Deal With It
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain and aches in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is a chronic condition that can have a seriously detrimental affect on a person's life....
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a lower back disorder that causes pain and discomfort as the nerves of the region become compressed due to narrowing of the spinal canal....
What is Sacral Agenesis?
Sacral agenesis is fortunately, a very uncommon disorder in modern times. It can present as either a partial deformity of the sacral area, or indeed a total lack of a sacrum. It cannot be treated thou...
What is Sciatica?
Sciaitca is a descriptive of a collection of symptoms. These symptoms stem from underlying conditons. It is often an intermittent complaint with each episode lasting up to three weeks....
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a developmental condition that results in a lateral curvature of the spine. Treatment varies from patient to patient, and can involve the use of back braces or spinal surgery....
What is Spina Bifida?
A common condition, spina bifida varies in severity and type. Some types require surgical treament to prevent deterioration of symptoms and others need no intervention. There is no cure for spina bifi...
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a form of surgery offered to those who are experiencing pain and discomfort due to nerve compression stemming from the spinal area....
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic disease that affects the motor neurons, the specialised nerve cells that connect with muscle cells to bring about movement....
Who is at Risk of Developmental Back Pain?
Developmental back pain is caused by abnormalities of the immature spine. There are three main types of developmental back disorder, sacral agenesis, Scheuemann's kyphosis and scoliosis....
Why Some Back Pain Doesn’t Go Away?
A new technique that has been tried recently in patients with severe chronic back pain is to use an implant to stimulate the spinal nerves so that they can’t feed pain signals back to the brain....
Would a Chiropractor Help a Frozen Shoulder?
A 'frozen shoulder' is a term given to a painful less mobile shoulder joint that has arisen as a result of inflammation of the tissues. It can be very painful and get worse during certain conditions o...
Would Another Pregnancy Worsen my Backpain?
Back pain can occur in even the healthiest pregnancy and can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes this pain ceases after birth but for others the pain can remain either constantly or intermittentl...
Yoga and Pilates for Back Pain
Yoga and Pilates are now recognised by medical personnel, as acceptable methods of exercise in the prevention and treatment of back complaints.
The techniques concentrate on developing strength, bala...