This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43469300

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Many back pain patients 'getting wrong care' Many back pain patients 'getting wrong care'
(5 days later)
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally but too often patients are let down by the treatment they are offered, say experts.Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally but too often patients are let down by the treatment they are offered, say experts.
They have written a series of papers in The Lancet asking the worldwide medical profession to stop offering ineffective and potentially harmful treatments.They have written a series of papers in The Lancet asking the worldwide medical profession to stop offering ineffective and potentially harmful treatments.
Strong drugs, injections and surgery are generally overkill, they say, with limited evidence that they help.Strong drugs, injections and surgery are generally overkill, they say, with limited evidence that they help.
Most back pain is best managed by keeping active, they advise.Most back pain is best managed by keeping active, they advise.
Recommendations that doctors follow in the UK are clear about what investigations and treatment patients should expect.Recommendations that doctors follow in the UK are clear about what investigations and treatment patients should expect.
Some patients will require a scan to rule out underlying causes, but in most cases they are deemed unnecessary because they are likely to be inconclusive.Some patients will require a scan to rule out underlying causes, but in most cases they are deemed unnecessary because they are likely to be inconclusive.
Signs that something more significant might be wrong include:Signs that something more significant might be wrong include:
Most adults will experience back pain at some point.Most adults will experience back pain at some point.
Episodes are usually short-lasting with no consequence, but recurrence is common - about one in three people will have a recurrence within a year of recovering from a previous bout, according to the researchers.Episodes are usually short-lasting with no consequence, but recurrence is common - about one in three people will have a recurrence within a year of recovering from a previous bout, according to the researchers.
UK guidelines recommend a mix of physical exercise, advice and support to help patients cope with symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.UK guidelines recommend a mix of physical exercise, advice and support to help patients cope with symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
Health staff should not treat back pain or sciatica with equipment such as belts, corsets, foot supports or shoes with special soles.Health staff should not treat back pain or sciatica with equipment such as belts, corsets, foot supports or shoes with special soles.
They should not offer acupuncture, traction (stretching the back using weights or machines), or electrotherapy (passing electric current or ultrasound waves through the body), says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.They should not offer acupuncture, traction (stretching the back using weights or machines), or electrotherapy (passing electric current or ultrasound waves through the body), says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
A doctor may offer an opioid pain medicine, such as codeine, if anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, have not helped or the doctor thinks they are not right for the patient.A doctor may offer an opioid pain medicine, such as codeine, if anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, have not helped or the doctor thinks they are not right for the patient.
But opioid pain medicine can cause dependence.But opioid pain medicine can cause dependence.
Ten things you should know about your backTen things you should know about your back
1) Your back is stronger than you may think - the spine is strong and not easily damaged, so in most instances the pain will be down to a simple sprain or strain1) Your back is stronger than you may think - the spine is strong and not easily damaged, so in most instances the pain will be down to a simple sprain or strain
2) You rarely need a scan2) You rarely need a scan
3) Avoid bed rest and get moving (but avoid aggravating activities)3) Avoid bed rest and get moving (but avoid aggravating activities)
4) Do not fear bending or lifting - do it in a way that is comfortable, using the hips and knees4) Do not fear bending or lifting - do it in a way that is comfortable, using the hips and knees
5) Remember that exercise and activity can reduce and prevent back pain5) Remember that exercise and activity can reduce and prevent back pain
6) Painkillers will not speed up your recovery6) Painkillers will not speed up your recovery
7) Surgery is rarely needed7) Surgery is rarely needed
8) Get good quality sleep if you can, because it will help you feel better overall8) Get good quality sleep if you can, because it will help you feel better overall
9) You can have back pain without any damage or injury9) You can have back pain without any damage or injury
10) If it doesn't clear up, seek help but don't worry - book an appointment to see your doctor or physiotherapist if the pain persists10) If it doesn't clear up, seek help but don't worry - book an appointment to see your doctor or physiotherapist if the pain persists
Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Prof Martin Underwood, from Warwick University, who is one of the 31 authors of The Lancet papers, said: "Our current treatment approaches are failing to reduce the burden of back pain disability.Prof Martin Underwood, from Warwick University, who is one of the 31 authors of The Lancet papers, said: "Our current treatment approaches are failing to reduce the burden of back pain disability.
"We need to change the way we approach back pain treatment in the UK and help low- and middle-income countries to avoid developing high-cost services of limited effectiveness."We need to change the way we approach back pain treatment in the UK and help low- and middle-income countries to avoid developing high-cost services of limited effectiveness.
"Quite a lot of people get exposed to high-tech medical and invasive procedures. There's very little evidence base to support their use.""Quite a lot of people get exposed to high-tech medical and invasive procedures. There's very little evidence base to support their use."
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, said: "One size does not fit all."Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, said: "One size does not fit all."
"We know that being active and working is good for our patients' health, so GPs and our teams will readily advocate lifestyle changes to patients that can help ease their pain and keep them in work, but for some patients, particularly in more serious cases, there is a limit to how realistic a significant amount of exercise is."We know that being active and working is good for our patients' health, so GPs and our teams will readily advocate lifestyle changes to patients that can help ease their pain and keep them in work, but for some patients, particularly in more serious cases, there is a limit to how realistic a significant amount of exercise is.
"For these patients whilst not a cure, drug-therapy can provide a great deal of relief and should not be dismissed entirely - the most effective approach, as with any medication, is that it should be prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.""For these patients whilst not a cure, drug-therapy can provide a great deal of relief and should not be dismissed entirely - the most effective approach, as with any medication, is that it should be prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time."
She added: "It is also the case that access to psychological treatments, such as talking therapies, which we know can be beneficial for patients suffering from lower back pain, is patchy across the country."She added: "It is also the case that access to psychological treatments, such as talking therapies, which we know can be beneficial for patients suffering from lower back pain, is patchy across the country."
You may also be interested in:You may also be interested in: