Treatment

Paracetamol

Paracetamol should be used as a first step option for pain relief. Two tablets, four times a day should help, however you can also take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibruprofen. It is recommended to seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medicine, and to follow on-pack advice.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor treats disorders of the joints, muscles and ligaments. Chiropractors use manual therapy – a technique in which the body is manipulated with the hands and which can also be performed by Osteopaths and Physiotherapists - to ‘adjust’ the spine, helping to relieve pain and increase movement.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is based on the principle that problems with the structure of one part of the body can cause pain and difficulty in functioning in other parts. Manipulative techniques relax tense muscles and stretches improve movement and relieve acute lower back pain.

Medical acupuncture
Medical acupuncture follows orthodox diagnosis and works by stimulating nerves in muscle and other tissues through the insertion of tiny needles which repair and promote healing. Trigger point spots or muscle knots are often targeted, with the treatment useful for treating chronic lower back pain and fibromyalgia.

The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to become more aware of posture, balance and movement to prevent tight muscles and joints and poor posture. A recent trial found that back pain discomfort was significantly improved over a six month period.

Other painkillers
For the majority of people, back pain has no clear cause and while drugs can control pain, they are not a cure. It is recommended to seek the advice of a health professional before taking any medicine, particularly if you are using other prescription drugs. Some medicines have side-effects which also need to be considered. Commonly prescribed medicines that help with back pain include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs which include ibruprofen reduce inflammation and pain. They are recommended for short-term pain relief if paracetamol is ineffective, making them more suitable for acute rather than chronic conditions.

Muscle relaxants
If the root of the back pain is caused by tight muscles or spasm, a relaxant or sedative like diazepam may help. Although effective for treating acute pain, it is not recommended for long-term use.

Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, in particular a group called Tricyclic antidepressants, are often used to treat long-term back pain and work by inhibiting chemical processes in the brain that enable you to feel pain.