First National Preventive Health Research Programme  YELP Holistic First Business Plan    YELP Holistic First Business Plan Defined Terms   SWOT Analysis   Executive Summary   Deliverables And Costs   Snapshot Page To 10 Benchmark Techniques   Defined Terms for Five YELP Business Plans

Second National Preventive Health Research Programme

First BTAAP Business Plan      Bohemian Teenagers Show Choir Programme        Defined Terms BTSCP

Second BTAAP Business Plan    Bohemian Teenagers Symphony Orchestras Programme    Defined Terms - Bohemian Teenager Symphony Orchestra Programme

Third BTAAP Business Plan    Bohemian Teenager Ballet & Modern Dance Programme        Defined Terms BTB&MDCP

Back Pain means a very common problem with around eight in 10 people in Western countries suffering at least some of the time.  Back pain is usually not due to any serious disease.  Most episodes of back pain get better quickly.  Simple analgesics (pain killers) and modification of activity facilitates recovery.  However, about 50% of people who get back pain will have further episodes.

Cost

Low back pain is the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal condition in Australia, estimated to cost up to $1 billion pa with indirect costs exceeding $8 billion pa.  It is also the most common health condition causing older Australians to be absent from the labour force.  See also, The Staggering Cost of Back Pain in Australia.

Common causes of back pain
Most people with back pain do not have any damage to their spine. The pain comes from the muscles, ligaments and joints. More persistent back pain may be associated with arthritis of the facet joints and degeneration of the discs.  Common causes of back pain include:

  • Arthritis - osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are two forms of arthritis linked to back pain.
  • Muscle and ligament strains - weak muscles and ligaments are unprepared for sudden or heavy loads and are easily injured. Lifting a heavy load the wrong way, an unusual bout of exercise, or even bad posture over a period of time can hurt soft tissue.
  • Osteoporosis - vertebral fracture due to Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by thinning of the bones. The vertebrae can become so porous and brittle that they easily fracture. Pain is due to the fracture.
  • Sciatica - the nerve that runs from the lower back into the leg is compressed by a bulging intervertebral disc, causing pain.
  • Stress - one of the side effects of stress is increased muscle tension, which can lead to fatigue, stiffness and localised pain. Constantly tight muscles can create postural imbalances that may cause misalignment of the spine.

Lifestyle factors contribute to Back Pain
 

Most cases of back pain are exacerbated by lifestyle factors, including:

  • Lack of exercise

  • Being Overweight or Obese
  • Leading a sedentary life
  • Poor posture
  • Stress
  • Bad work practices

Reducing and preventing Back Pain
 

In most cases, back pain can be reduced or prevented by making a few lifestyle changes, including:

  • Exercises regularly - to improve posture and increase muscle support of the spine. Try walking instead of using the car. Work towards doing 30 minutes of gentle exercise each day. This can be broken into shorter periods for equal benefit.

  • Lifting and carrying - when picking up a heavy load, squat down, hold the object as close to your body as practical and lift by using your legs, keeping your back straight. Get some help from another person or use equipment (such as a trolley) if the load is too heavy to manage comfortably on your own.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight - being Overweight or Obese puts extra strain on your back.
  • Be aware of your posture - consider your posture, particularly in seated positions, such as when driving or sitting at a desk for long periods of time. Don’t slump, keep your back upright and use support where necessary (such as a lumbar support cushion or footstool).
  • Take regular breaks - when driving, standing or sitting for long periods of time, take a break at least every hour to change the position of your joints and loosen your muscles. Include a short walk and a few stretches as part of your break.

  • Relaxation and pain management - learn some relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels and subsequent muscle tension. Try massage, heat or cold applications and gentle exercise.  Seek advice from a physiotherapist.

Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause, but can include rest, exercise, medication and manipulation.

Things to remember

  • Back Pain is a common problem.
  • Back Pain most often comes from muscles, ligaments and joints. It can be caused by injury, inflammation, tension or spasm in the muscle, ligament, cartilage or bone.
  • Staying active plays an important role in management.