Back pain is a common condition and in the UK, it is the largest cause of work-related absence. It can be very uncomfortable to complete agony, but it is not usually serious. Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35 and 55.
In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back work together. The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain.
Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities.
A good example of this is sciatica (pain down the back of the leg, often with pins and needles).
The latest research from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended that individuals suffering with back pain for more that 6 weeks try a course of manual and exercise therapy to help with their condition. This treatment is available at all Pure Physiotherapy Clinics.
Please click here if you wish to read the full NICE guidelines for low back pain.
