It is important that you work with your Physio to formulate a pain management plan that is tailored to suit your individual needs. Any back pain management plan should aim to:
- Relieve your pain symptoms
- Help you to recover from acute attacks of pain within 6 weeks
- Minimize the amount of time you spend off work
- Allow you to resume your normal level of activity
- Prevent episodes of acute low back pain from recurring and becoming chronic problems
- Effectively manage back pain if it does become chronic
Over the course of your back pain management, you may come into contact with a number of different healthcare professionals. Quite often, people with chronic cases are seen by a combination of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists and occupational therapists, who offer their expertise and help them to deal with their pain.
As well as receiving treatment on a one-to-one basis, some people with chronic pain may be able to attend specialists pain clinic for treatment and advice on living a fuller life in spite of their pain. Some healthcare teams may bring together groups of patients with similar pain problems and look at how best to tackle them. Pain services may vary from area to area. Your physio will be able to put you in touch with local support groups and services.
Tips for a 'Back-friendly' bed:
- Choose a mattress that is supportive enough to take the weight of your body without sagging.
- Turn your mattress regularly (every 6 to 12 weeks).
- Choose a mattress that is comfortable to lie on with sufficient ‘ give’ to cushion your bony bits.
- Buy a mattress with a long base.
- Always try out the mattress and base together in the shop before buying.
- Consider a water bed- they support the body without distorting the spine and are popular with some people.
Why is bed-rest bad for your back:
- It stiffens your joints.
- It weakness your muscles.
- It can weaken your bones over long periods.