Flexible Physio

Treatment of back pain
date added: 21/09/2010

Self-help

There are many things you can do to help yourself.

• Stay active - return to your usual level of physical activity as soon as possible. This may hurt more at first, but it will help you get better and reduce your risk of getting simple back pain again.
• Bed rest - if the pain is so bad that you can't get moving, keep the time you stay in bed as short as possible. Lying in bed can do more harm than good.
• Stay positive and set yourself goals - this will help you get back to your usual levels of physical activity.
• Heat therapy - apply a hot water bottle or heat pack directly to the affected area, or take a hot bath.
• Ice therapy - apply a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel. Don't apply ice directly to your skin because you could damage it.
• Pace yourself - be careful not to overdo it when your pain improves.

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Back pain symptoms and treatment.
date added: 21/09/2010

This factsheet is for people who have back pain, or who would like information about it. Back pain is extremely common - about eight in 10 people in the UK are affected at some time in their lives. Read more... »