Pain in the lower back is very common and it can be tempting to try and ‘self-crack’ the strain or tension you feel but this will create problems further down the line. Lower back pain can also cause headaches as it carries the tension up the spine.

A quick ‘fix’ can be to take an anti-inflammatory painkiller (like ibuprofen) but this doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Another way to ease back inflammation is to apply a hot or cold compress. A hot water bottle or heat pack is good to relax tense muscles whilst an ice pack, or even a bag of frozen peas, is good for inflammation. If you are at all concerned about your pain remember you can always contact us or your GP.

To help reduce your back pain it is important to stay mobile. Often, when experiencing back pain people will tend to stay seated or bed-bound but this is not advised as it can make your back seize up more. Doing gentle exercise, like walking, can help keep you mobile and carefully relax your muscles. Gentle stretches can also be beneficial for relieving back pain. One to try is a yoga stretch called ‘Child’s Pose’.