Through Livi you can, via a video GP consultation, get help to find out what might be the cause of your back pain. You can get advice on how to self-manage your problem with exercises and medications, and also discuss whether you may require a referral to a physiotherapist or musculoskeletal specialist now or in the future.
Back pain is a common problem experienced by many people during different stages of their lives. Fortunately, the pain is rarely due to a serious disease. Most cases of back pain should not significantly affect your lifestyle if it is well taken care of.
One of the most common causes of back pain is that you've made a fast and unusual movement. Too much stress can also cause back pain. An incorrect movement may occur, for example, in sports where you rotate your body heavily. Too much strain on the back may result from lifting heavy things where you are using your back, instead of using your legs, also called lumbago. Weakness in the back can also be caused by a sluggish body position and that some muscles do not get the right training.
Very rarely, a serious disease can present with back pain. With serious disease, other symptoms are often associated with the pain, such as:
- Leg numbness and weakness,
- Urinary or bowel incontinence
- Fever with severe back pain
If you have these additional symptoms, we will not be able to help you via Livi and you should urgently see a doctor at a physical health centre.
If you currently have cancer and have developed back pain, you should visit a health centre to see a doctor in person.
A back-related accident or a fall should also be followed up with a visit to a health centre to see a doctor in person.
Treatment:
The best thing to do if you are in pain is to move carefully. Take slow walks in comfortable shoes and stretch your back muscles properly. Avoid sitting down as much as possible. Rest does not make your back better, your muscles need to be activated. Painkillers can help if the pain is overwhelming. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can advise you on which treatment method is best for your type of pain.
Seek care if the back pain does not pass within 1-2 weeks.