Back Pain Doesn't Need to Be a Spine Chiller

Prevention
"Keeping fit and active is the main way to help keep back pain and strain at bay," said Paul, "and it's important for people to think about their posture in general.

"For instance, anyone who sits at a desk for long periods should make sure all their equipment is set up correctly and is at the right height and their chair offers good lumber support.

"They should try not to hunch over or sit with the phone crooked between their chin and shoulder.

"Of course in some jobs there may be manual handling and people should be mindful of the proper procedures for their workplace and not attempt to handle items which are too heavy, too bulky, or which mean you are stretching and straining too much orwhich involves movements which are too repetitive."

Keeping your "core" strong, the girdle of muscles around your middle can be beneficial to your back, so don't underestimate the importance of keeping those abdominal muscles in good shape. They help with posture too.

Treatment
There are lots of therapies out there to ease bad backs, from physiotherapy to chiropractice, osteopathy, the Alexander Technique and even acupuncture. Each one may have different value.

Massage can be beneficial to aid relaxation of tight muscles while initially painkillers are a good idea simply to dull any aches.

Most back pain is the nagging lower back variety which can be self-treated simply with stretching, painkillers or hot and cold cures.