Suffering from back pain? Our top tips on how to treat it

We've teamed up with Panadol to bring you a comprehensive guide to treating back pain.

There's no denying it – life as a parent is busy, and we simply don't have time to let back pain slow us down.

If you suffer from back pain from time to time, you're definitely not alone. Back pain is among the top reasons people miss work or see their doctor, and 70% of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives.

With back pain affecting so many people, parents included, we've teamed up with Panadol to bring you a guide to treating back pain, with some great self-care tips plus advice on when to see a doctor.

What causes back pain?

Muscle strain or sprains

If you stretch a muscle too far, it can stretch and cause a tear, leaving you with back pain. Strains and sprains may be caused by lifting heavy items, sudden movements, falling or twisting the spine, poor posture and sports injuries.

Disc rupture and degeneration

Over time, our spinal discs can be worn down, which makes them easier to tear. These discs can bulge, rupture or slip out of place, which can cause back pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by a pinched or irritated sciatic nerve, and pain caused by sciatica usually travels from the back to the leg.

Arthritis

Spinal osteoarthritis is very common and is estimated to affect between 40-85% of people worldwide. In particular, it afflicts older people. It occurs when the cartilage of the joints and discs break down.

Other causes

Back pain can be caused by a number of other things, including fungal and bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus. Kidney infections can also cause backache. If you are experiencing pain, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Self-care tips for back pain

Rest and avoid strenuous activities

Take a break and avoid all strenuous activity until you feel better. If you tend to sit or stand for long periods of time and it’s making your sprain worse, you should take a break. Modify your daily activities according to your level of pain.

Pain medication

Painkillers like Panadol, which contain paracetamol, can help ease all types of back pain caused by muscle or nerve strains, allowing you to get through the day.

Apply heat or ice

Hot baths, heat wraps and heat pads can help the muscles relax and improve blood flow to them which can in turn help speed up the healing process. If your back pain is due to inflammation, you can apply an ice pack to help reduce the swelling. You can use heat and ice interchangeably and alongside Panadol.

When to see a doctor

If your back pain is persistent, see your doctor and they'll be able to advise you on further ways to manage your pain. These might include exercises for back pain, massage, pain medications, steroid injections or surgery.

For even more on back pain, check out the Panadol guide right here.