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Worried about your Back Pain? Not quite sure what to do? Let us help.
Here’s some information about Back Pain and what our qualified GPs can offer to you!
 

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is common and normally improves within a few weeks or months. It can be a stressful and painful experience. Different types of back pain include:
  • Lumbago, which is lower back pain, is particularly common; this type of back pain can develop rapidly or over a long time.
  • Upper and middle back pain can range from aching and stiffness to a sharp or burning sensation. 

If you are worried over-the-counter pain medication hasn’t worked or your symptoms have been getting worse – one of our experienced GPs can visit you for a consultation, offer advice and possible treatment.
 

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KEY TIP: 
Although it can be difficult, it helps if you stay optimistic and recognise that your pain should get better, as people who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker.

Causes

Most back pain is what’s known as “non-specific” (there’s no obvious cause) or “mechanical” (the pain originates from the joints, bones or soft tissues in and around the spine). 
Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain, but often it occurs for no apparent reason. 
Specific conditions that can cause back pain include:

  • Slipped (prolapsed) disc
  • Sciatica
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Spondylolisthesis.

Furthermore, may also occur chronically secondary to pre-existing conditions such as kidney stones or osteoporosis.
Pregnancy can also cause back pain as the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis.

Treatment

There are some treatments that you can try for yourself that includes:

  • Stay active – keep moving and continue with your normal activities as much as possible.
  • Simple back exercises and stretches can often help reduce back pain. 
  • Painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) tablets, for example ibuprofen, can help relieve back pain.
  • Hot and cold packs – some people find that a hot pack placed on the affected area – helps ease the pain when back pain first starts. Others find that cold packs can also help in the short-term. 
  • Specialist treatment include – exercise classes, manual therapy carried about by professionals such as chiropractors, osteopaths or physiotherapists.

 
When should you see a GP?

The pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or months. But it’s a good idea to get help if:

  • the pain doesn’t start to improve within a few weeks
  • you stop doing your day-to-day activities
  • the pain is very severe or gets worse over time
  • you’re worried about the pain or are struggling to cope

You can book to see a Gogodoc GP today, who will ask about your symptoms, examine your back, and discuss possible treatments. 
They may refer you to a specialist doctor or a physiotherapist for further help.

 

A doctor at your doorstep. Download our app and request a doctor. 

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, office, gym or where ever you may be, our highly experienced GP’s will come straight to you. Currently between zones 1 to 4.

 

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