Back pain is very common and can be severe and debilitating either in acute episodes, or as chronic pain that is uncomfortable and fatiguing.  Back pain does not always occur immediately after an injury, because the body is good at adapting to injuries and accommodating.  However, the disruption to spinal mechanics caused by an injury can lead to a build up of strain and tension over time, and symptoms can often begin insidiously.

Stresses within the body often cause problems in other areas as well as the back.  Common associated symptoms include undue fatigue, mood swings, depression, disturbed sleep, headache, period problems, digestive problems and vulnerability to infections due to a depleted immune system.  Patients report that many of these improve during a course of osteopathic treatment.

There are certain types of accident that are common contributors to back pain:

• Occupational strain:  Habitual bad posture such as poor seating at computers can place strain on areas of the spine and lead to back pain.

• Lifting strains:  Lifting heavy or awkward weights including babies, children and shopping can cause back strain.  If the back is already under stress from another cause it may only take a small lifting strain to cause problems, usually at the weakened point in the spine.

• Road traffic accidents:  Even at relatively low speed, the body is subjected to sudden deceleration forces which can affect the whole body, not just the neck.

• Falls:  Headaches and neck pain are very common following falls as parts of the body become impacted or compressed.