Currently recommended treatment(15) for an acute attack of
low back pain, which has no danger signs (known as 'Red Flags'), is
• painkillers
• continuing with normal activities
• manipulation if required remaining at work or returning as soon as possible
Bed rest is not recommended and makes matters worse
and so should be avoided. Despite this the last survey in
1998(3) showed that GPs still recommended bed rest to one
in four of the people who consult them about back pain.
The longer someone is off work with back pain, the lower
their chances of returning to work.(50% will return at six
months but only 5% after one year)(8). Patients who return to
normal activities feel healthier, take fewer pain killers, and
are less distressed than those who limit their activities.
Psychological and social factors ('Yellow Flags') are more
important risk factors for developing chronic pain than
physical symptoms and signs.(15)
Recent guidelines emphasise the need to monitor low back
pain reports in the workplace.(8)
• stay at work if possible with any necessary modifications
• maintain contact if not able to remain at work
• the possibility of returning to work even if not entirely
pain free
• the importance of rehabilitation
Back Care for Drivers
Driving can be a pain in the back. Confined in a fixed position
for hours on end, stressed out by traffic and with
the constant vibrations of wheels on the road, it's not
surprising so many people get back ache after a long
drive. Work, leisure and driving all contribute to wear and
tear of your back over the years. Two out of three adults
will experience severe back pain at some time in their lives
and for half of us our backs are so badly damaged that we
will suffer long term back pain. But there are things that we
can all do to avoid damaging our backs or to reduce existing
discomfort.
Are you sitting comfortably?
• Car seats usually feel comfortable when you first sit in
them, but after a lengthy period of travelling significant
discomfort and even back pain may be experienced.
Many car seats do not provide adequate support and can
cause strain to be placed upon the bones, muscles, discs
and ligaments of the back.
• Any lack of support is even more serious if you have a
previous back injury or are suffering from muscular back
strain. Good, supportive seating can help to reduce discomfort,
and may also prevent postural back ache from
occurring in the first place.
• Providing adequate support to the back whilst travelling
is important for passengers as well as drivers. Most
of the following points are equally useful for passengers.
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