Question:
I suffer from back pain and I am not sure whether it is acute back pain or chronic back pain – what’s the difference?
Answer:
Great question. If two out of three of the following conditions apply to you then you are suffering from acute back pain
- Agonising spasms of pain
- Severely limiting your ability to move around
- Lasting less than 6 weeks
The symptoms of chronic back pain are different and if two out of three of the following conditions apply to you, you are a chronic back pain sufferer
- More than 6 weeks of pain on this occasion
- Currently NOT severely limiting your ability to move around
- Recurrent episodes of pain
So now for some good news – nearly all back problems get better given time.
I know this is easy to read but may be harder to do but the first step you need to take to ensure your back gets better is to RELAX!
I understand you are in agony but pain actually makes you tense and tensing up causes more pain, so rather than fighting the pain learn to relax and use a muscle relaxant if that helps you.
Deep breathing is great for pain (ask any women who has been through giving birth!) when you breath deeply and evenly you calm and therefore relax your body.
Do your best to keep moving
Again, I understand you are in pain but resting (lying down) leads to a slower recovery. If you are able to move around, even for a little while, it will really help. Do some deep breathing, relax and get yourself up and moving. No sudden movements and if movement causes agonising pain stop a moment, relax and try moving again.
The more you move, the more confidence you will get and the more relaxed you will be.
If you are suffering from acute back pain or chronic back pain or you know someone who is give me a call at our Active-x offices in Edinburgh on 0131 221 1415
