Don’t let pain hold you back

Low back pain is something that almost everybody will experience at some point. We spoke to UHL Physiotherapist Gurpreet Singh to get up-to-date information on this common condition and how to manage it.

Low back pain (LBP) is part of everyday life, like feeling sad or tired. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including sports, recreational and work-related injuries (like sprains/strains), sudden increases or decreases in levels of physical activity and exercise, poor sleep quality, tiredness, fatigue, feeling rundown, higher levels of stress, worry, anxiety or social isolation.

The overwhelming majority (95%) of LBP cases are not serious, although for some people, it can be severe and scary. The good news is that backs are very strong and resilient and most people will recover from an episode of LBP within 6-8 weeks, often without needing any medical intervention. However, LBP can recur from time to time, similarly to health conditions such as a cold, asthma, migraines or depression. 

As a first port of call, a fantastic resource is available to download for free. The MSK app has been developed by Therapy teams at UHL and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust to help you to manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as LBP. The app, commissioned by Planned Care / Better Care Together, is packed with evidence-based information and self-help tips including exercise videos to help you to understand your pain and take steps to boost your recovery.

Here is some self-help advice for LBP:-

• In the first few days, it is ok to modify and/or reduce some of your daily and work-related activities. Remember though that keeping active and gradually returning to your ‘normal’ activities and exercise is really helpful for your recovery.

• Try to keep moving. If your work-role involves long periods of sitting, standing, bending, lifting, twisting or carrying, try to vary and relax your posture, and ensure you are conditioned and confident to undertake the task/activity.

• Try exercising. Use some of the exercise videos provided on the app. Other options include cycling, gardening, swimming, walking and yoga. Choose an activity or exercise you enjoy and feel confident doing. 

• Try to prioritise sleep and managing your stress levels, as this can help you to cope better with pain and help your recovery. 

To download the app, just search 'NHS MSK' on your app store. 

communications@uhl-tr.nhs.uk