Treatment of Back Pain

Dr James Thompson is a UK-based GP. He will answer all of your questions about medical and health issues. You are welcome to use all or part of this transcript if referring to Dr James Thompson and askdocjames.com There are numerous treatment options for muscular back pain and some may be specific to the area of the back that is affected. The basic principles of treatment are often heat, massage and exercise. Heat and massage will help to relax tight muscle and tailored exercises can strengthen and condition the muscles that support the spine. Pain associated with tight muscle is often worst in the mornings and after other periods of inactivity. More often than not most of this type of back pain will settle within six weeks, with ensuring that mobility is maintained and the use of simple analgesics like paracetamol and ibuprofen. If the back pain persists beyond this then manual therapies like physiotherapy and osteopathy are more likely to be of use. Physiotherapy is available on the NHS but osteopathy is not widely available. The waiting lists can be long and private options are available. Treatment sessions are usually about 45minutes in length and cost in region of £40 per session. A positive attitude to the pain is ideal as people that respond positively to this pain are more likely to get over it and move on.