• Stiffness or spasm of the muscles caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable position
• Doing activities you are not used to

Other causes

• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Incorrect lifting techniques
• A disc between the base of the spine moving out of position or pressing on a nerve

Common back problems

• Pain of the upper or lower back
• Pain spreading from the back of the thigh to the ankle (sciatica)

Back problems can by prevented by

• Keeping active
• Keeping to a healthy weight
• Sleeping on a firm mattress
• Lifting heavy weights correctly - crouch down, straighten knees and keep your back straight

Treatment at home

• Stay in bed, but no longer than one or two days
• Massage the painful area; apply heat
• Take painkillers
• Exercise gently

Visiting your chiropractor
Treatment consists of well defined manipulation techniques which are aimed to improve joint pain and muscle spasms. Chiropractic is currently the second most frequently consulted complementary therapy.

The Medical Research Council have found that chiropractic is more effective than hospital outpatient treatment for lower back pain.

Chiropractic treatment is particularly favoured for easing back pain, sciatica, tension, neck, shoulder and arm pain.