Back Pain Doesn't Need to Be a Spine Chiller

Are you taking your back for granted? As sufferers will tell you, back pain can be excruciating -- but at worst it can also be debilitating.

Last week was Back Care Awareness Week, when people were asked to think about how to keep their backs in tip-top shape.

Here is our guide to keeping your spine healthy.

As a chartered physiotherapist, more than half of Paul Nicholls's workload is treating people with bad backs. It's such a common complaint he even runs periodical backcare classes to offer tips and advice to people prone to problems.

In fact, back problems are a leading cause of disability in the UK, leading to five million working days lost annually and a 1 million pounds bill for the NHS.

Yet most of us don't give a thought to how we treat our own backs, despite its fundamental importance in our general health and mobility.  Basically we take its function and strength for granted.

It's only when something goes wrong that we take notice and then, quite often, panic sets in.  Which, says Paul, is the worst possible response.

"When people get a twinge sometimes it panics them. They're afraid to move or do anything in case it exacerbates matters or they feel more pain.

"So one of the most important things I can do is to reassure them. Most back problems are simple sprains and strains and the vast majority of people get better in about six weeks.

"That might not seem the case when you are in agony on the floor unable to move but being fearful of your pain won't help."

Paul, who runs clinics in Coventry, UK, says being frightened of the pain and not moving for fear of causing more pain is not the best way forward.

"Keeping moving, gently, is the best policy. Taking to your bed and hoping rest will make it go away is not the answer."