Back pain is a common issue faced by many people, and it can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Here are some of the red flags to watch out for and tips for managing back pain.
Red Flags
There are certain red flags that therapists look for when evaluating a patient with back pain. These include major trauma, suspicion of infection, history of cancer, and chronic steroid use. Patients with these risk factors may require imaging to diagnose underlying conditions. It’s really important we area aware of red flags that may indicate serious underlying conditions which is why our initial appointments are so thorough, with som many questions.
Management of Back Pain
For acute back pain, there are some effective medications available and osteopathy can sometimes seem like a miracle intervention. However, for chronic low back pain, a combination of hands-on treatment and physical activity is usually the best modality. We encourage people to engage in early mobilisation (movement – like gentle walking, anything that isn’t complete rest), early exercise, and stick to the hands-on treatment plan to help reduce symptoms.
The goal of treatment is symptom relief and return to function, rather than complete pain elimination. NSAIDs and muscle relaxants can provide some relief within a short timeframe, but long-term use is advised against and on their own, you are only masking symptoms and not getting to the root of the issue. Active movement is the key to effective management in the long-run to support the ‘passive treatments’ (where things are done to patients), that are really effective at symptomatic relief.
Imaging for Back Pain
Imaging may be necessary for certain patients with back pain, such as those with serious underlying conditions or those who require surgery. However, we are always careful to avoid unnecessary referrals or asking for lots of x-rays / MRI scans where we don’t believe the results will change how we would manage the condition. If we spot red flags, we’ll refer to a GP who can request the appropriate imaging.
Conclusion
Back pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but there are plenty of ways to manage it effectively. Osteopathy, combined with early activity and exercise are key. Imaging may be necessary for some patients, but by being aware of the red flags, patients can be educated to take a proactive and collaborative approach to finding relief and returning to their daily activities.
