Back pain treatment in Summerland

What is back pain?

Muscles, joints and discs can all be involved, and there isn't always one clear cause.

It can start with a lift or a twist, or build up slowly. A new bout of back pain often eases within a few weeks. Some last longer or come back now and then, which is common too. Back pain that has lasted more than three months is called chronic, or persistent.

Where it can show up

• Lower back. The most common kind. It often follows a lift, a long drive or a season of orchard and vineyard work, and it tends to flare with bending and standing up.
• Between the shoulder blades. Mid-back pain is common in people who spend long hours at a desk or behind the wheel. I ask how long you stay in one position and how much you move during the day. If pain here stays the same whatever you do, or comes with chest pain or shortness of breath, check the warning signs below first.
• Upper back and neck. Upper back pain and neck pain often travel together, and sometimes with headaches.
• Stiff mornings. Backs that are stiff first thing and loosen up with movement are common. If stiffness lasts well into the morning, tell me.

Common signs

Back pain rarely looks the same in two people. These are some common patterns.

• Pain that isn't settling. Pain that lingers or interferes with everyday activities is worth assessing.
• Pain going into the leg. Burning, shooting pain or tingling into the buttock or leg may involve a nerve. Read more on the sciatica page.
• Stiffness when you bend or twist. If putting on shoes, bending or standing up feels difficult, tell me which movements bother you.
• Pain that keeps returning. I look at the pattern of your flare-ups and what you need to manage between them.
• Pain after an accident. Pain after a fall or crash may need a medical check before hands-on care. Check the warning signs below first.
• Pain at night. Back pain can make it hard to get comfortable in bed. If the pain wakes you even when you're lying still, or doesn't ease with rest or a change of position, see your doctor before you book with me.

When to get help

How I assess back pain

1. 1
   We talk first. You tell me where it hurts, when it started, what sets it off, what eases it and what you want to get back to.
2. 2
   I assess how you move. I watch how you bend, turn, stand up and walk. I press on the joints and muscles that might be involved. If you have leg symptoms, I also check the strength, reflexes and feeling in your legs.
3. 3
   I check for anything that needs a doctor first. I check whether something other than a muscle or joint problem could be behind the pain. If it could, I tell you and suggest you see your doctor first.
4. 4
   We agree on a plan. I explain what I found in plain language. If treatment makes sense and you agree, it can begin the same day.

A first visit takes about 40 minutes, and follow-ups about 20. Ask anything along the way, and pause or decline any technique whenever you like.

Treatment options

Your symptoms, examination and goals guide the plan. I may combine hands-on care with exercise and advice for daily life.

What you can do at home

Most backs do better with movement than with rest. Before your visit and between visits:

• Keep moving gently, at a pace that doesn't make it worse. Some discomfort as you get moving is common and doesn't usually mean you're doing harm. Ease off if a movement makes the pain clearly worse.
• Try heat for stiffness, such as a heat pack or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Some people prefer cold. Use whichever feels better, with a layer between it and your skin.
• Break up long sitting. Stand, walk or change position every so often. My five desk stretches are a good place to start.
• Keep working if you can, with lighter tasks for a while if you need them.
• Ask a pharmacist or your doctor which pain medicine is safe for you.
• Do the exercises I give you. I email them after your visit, along with the plan we talked about.
• Tell me if it's getting worse rather than better. A text is fine, but I'm often with patients and may not reply right away. If you notice any of the warning signs above, get medical help first.

Common questions