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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. For acute back pain where muscles are swollen, apply an ice pack wrapped in a tea-towel for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
4. 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.
5. See an Osteopath as soon as you can.  Lymm Osteopathic Practice can be contacted on 01925 752264.