Back Pain S.O.S.
Having a Back Emergency – when you suddenly find you’re in extreme and unrelenting pain - can be a frightening experience, especially when you can’t get to the Osteopath.
Here’s a quick tip checklist of what to do, or at least what to try until you can manage to get treatment.
- If you have acute back pain that’s actually stopping bowel or bladder function, then get yourself down to A & E as these symptoms generally indicate a more serious problem.
- Take a painkiller or anti-inflammatory to help ease the pain. If over-the-counter painkillers just aren’t dealing with it, only ever use stronger medications that have been specifically prescribed for you or agreed appropriate for your use with a pharmacist.
- For acute back pain where muscles are swollen, apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea-towel for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
- Try relaxation methods as these will help to ease muscle tension.
- Either sit in a firm upright chair to support your back or lie on a firm surface.
- Put a cushion under your knees or lie in a foetal position to stretch your back muscles.
- Make sure you’re warm. A blanket or a warm drink may help.
- Whilst breathing, breathe deeply and regularly, saying to yourself ‘I breathe in’ when breathing in and ‘I breathe out’ when breathing out. Simple but often effective.
- See an Osteopath as soon as you can. Lymm Osteopathic Practice can be contacted on 01925 752264.