Back To Basics

Back pain affects mobility and can lead to an inactive lifestyle, however there are a range of treatments that can get you back on your feet, says spinal consultant Guy Barham

- Guy Barham

IT is part of the human condition to get some degree of back pain throughout our lives as we all suffer stresses and strains on our muscles, bones and joints. Some problems may represent an inherited weakness but most conditions occur in the adult population through simple wear and tear. Modern technology is not helping the problem. If your job requires you to sit in front of a computer or in one position for too long, you may be prone to suffer with back pain. Children are also spending a lot more time in front of computers, tablets and smartphones and are doing less sport and playing outside.

If you lead a healthy lifestyle and do a variety of regular exercise you should have a reasonably good back. However, if you start to develop more significant problems, then talk to your GP, physiotherapist or chiropractor, depending on the issue. Some people like to know what’s going on inside their back and that’s why they come to see me. I can assess the problem and go through scan results, which can provide reassurance.