Back Pain

Back pain is extremely common in people of all ages. Often it will resolve within a couple of weeks but some people experience longer and more severe symptoms of back pain.

In general, there are many ways you can potentially relieve and prevent back pain. These include:

staying fit and healthy;
improving your posture and core strength;
optimising your weight and diet;
being active including walking, stretching, swimming, yoga, Pilates and much more;
knowing your limit and not performing over-strenuous activities;
using a supportive pillow and mattress;
topical treatments including Capsaicin cream;
using heat or cooling compressors to the area of pain;
physiotherapy;
chiropractic treatment;
taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication like paracetamol and ibuprofen;
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

If you are experiencing pain which is starting to affect your day to day activities then it may be worth a visit to your GP as there could be an underlying issue. Your GP should talk through your medical history, examine and advise you as appropriate. Your GP may recommend further investigation such as an MRI.

There are many causes of back pain. It can be due to a simple muscular strain or ligamentous injury, or more significant underlying problem such as arthritis, slipped disc, degenerate disc disease, osteoporosis or other rarer causes.

Sometimes back pain is accompanied by other symptoms, for example you may be experiencing tingling, weakness, numbness and pain radiating to the arms or legs. This usually means there is a degree of nerve compression associated with your back problem and medical expert opinion is recommended.

It is important to seek urgent medical advice if you are experiencing these symptoms:

arm or leg weakness;
numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttock area;
disturbance in bladder or bowel function;
sudden back pain radiating down both legs;
high temperature;
weight loss;
swelling or deformity in the back;
if you have been in a serious accident;
if your back pain is not improving or getting significantly worse.

Dr Laban sees patients with all types of back pain related problems and conditions. Even though back pain is common, there can be underlying issues that you may not be aware of. If your back pain and related symptoms are getting in the way of life and not resolving then it is important to get an expert opinion. Patients often ask to see Dr Laban for a second opinion given his extensive knowledge and surgical expertise.