If you’re struggling with low back pain, you’re definitely not alone. According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 16% of the population are experiencing back problems at any given time and more than 70% experience back pain at some point in their lives. Luckily, it’s rarely serious, and most people get better on their own. Most people improve within four weeks and are back to normal in four to six weeks, if not sooner.

Here are some tips to help you manage your low back pain:

Tip 1: Stay as active as you can

Try to stay active, walk regularly and continue with your everyday routine as much as you can. Staying active may help people with short-term low back pain feel less pain and improve their ability to do daily activities compared to resting in bed. If you do experience pain, do as much as you can and slowly increase what you do. If the pain is too much doing a particular activity, you can stop and switch to something else. Avoid high impact activities such as running until you’ve recovered.

Tip 2: Get relief for your symptoms

Over-the-counter pain medicines that you can get without a prescription such as ibuprofen, naproxen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can help manage the pain while you recover. NSAIDs help reduce swelling as well as pain, and are more effective than paracetamol for low back pain.

If non-prescription pain medicines don’t provide enough relief you can talk to your GP about other options. They may recommend that you see a physiotherapist to learn exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your back or stretches.

Tip 3: Take steps to keep pain from coming back

• Use correct technique when you lift or carry things
• Don’t sit or stand in the same position for extended periods
• Practice good posture.
• Do stretches/ exercise to strengthen your muscles as recommended by your doctor or physio
• If you’re overweight, losing weight can help.

For more information, see here.

Tip 4: Know when to seek treatment

Often back pain resolves on its own, however if it is not settling after a few weeks, seeking advice from our Physiotherapist or Doctor will be helpful.