How to look after your back

Dr Mike Cassidy-HoggDr Karen Philip

Doctors of chiropractic

Agenda Why look after your back What goes wrong? How to prevent pain How to fix it

Why is it important? 80% of us get back pain

Most common cause of ‘acute morbidity’ (loss of quality of life)

Can keep recurring if not looked after

What actually hurts?

Muscles

DiscsJoints

Ligaments

Nerves

Remember this to save a lot of pain…

Mornings: Be careful bending in first 15 minutes

“Good posture” keeps your back strong: but if it takes a lot of effort.. Don’t force it!

Use ICE not heat. Heat can make it worse

Get up and move every 40-60 mins

Don’t ignore those little twinges

Role of different health professionals

GP: Treats pain with medication & refers if necessary

Specialist/consultant: Surgeon, operates when necessary and performs injections

Chiropractor / Osteopath: Look after your back with hands-on care and advice/education

Physiotherapist: NHS mostly give exercises. Private often more hands-on

Help yourself…

Have a Free Back Check Today

10 mins Fully clothed Posture and movement screen

Find out how your posture could be affecting how you feel

Get advice & options to help or prevent any problems