1. Back Pain A Clinical Perspective ~ Mary McCance MSc MCSP Ullswater Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic Skirsgill Business Park Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0FA 07774056155 info@ullswaterphysiotherapy.co.uk

2. What is Back Pain?

3. Understanding Back Pain It’s the most common presentation in my clinical practice and it’s rarely just about the spine…. Factors Include: Biological Social / Environmental Psychological

4. Biological Factors in Back Pain Variations from the ‘norm’ are actually quite normal MRI findings do not always correlate with back pain Pain is created 100% of the time in the brain, not in the ‘damaged’ muscles / discs / joints etc.

5. Psychological Factors in Back Pain “Pain = Damage” Withdrawal from activity = Disability “No Pain = No Gain” Push on with activity = Maintenance of fitness and function Fear / pain / movement / disability / chronic cycle

6. Social / Environmental Factors Exercise & activity levels General health Family history Smoking Prolonged sitting Prolonged working in confined / awkward spaces Medico-legal influences “Where there’s blame there’s a claim”

7. How Can Back Pain be Treated? Encourage activity Understand reoccurrence is common Multiple treatment & management strategies Individualised approach for best prognosis Thorough assessment, examination & and evaluation of bio-psycho-social factors Clinical evidence is clear SIT LESS MOVE MORE!!!!! Education regarding fear of pain – “Effective reassurance is a bloody good pain killer “ Louis Gifford

8. Self-care & Practical Management Keep moving and continue with daily tasks as able Avoid prolonged sitting get up and move frequently Visit your Pharmacist / GP to discuss pain medication Heat can help to ease pain and stiffness Use back exercises to ease symptoms as illustrated If symptoms don’t settle within a few days of self- care consider seeing a Chartered Physiotherapist for a detailed and individualised assessment & treatment

9. Useful exercises in the prevention and management of back pain, stiffness & soreness The best treatment for stiffness is movement Exercise & education Normal movement

10. Any Questions?

11. Ullswater Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic Skirsgill Business Park Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0FA 07774056155 www.ullswaterphysiotherapy.co.uk www.facebook.com/ullswaterphysiotherapy.co.uk Twitter: @marymccance Instagram: Ullswater_Physiotherapy