Most of us develop lower back pain at some point in our lives and this is often accompanied by leg pain, which is also known as sciatica.

When this pain is caused by mechanical low back pain, it can be difficult to find out what is causing the pain.

However, a magnetic resonance scan will often confirm that the patient is suffering from a typical slipped disc, which can be correlated with sciatica and low back pain.

While this condition can be painful, most of us can fully recover within four months and research shows that you are less likely to remain in pain for a long amount of time if you stay active.

Tips for Dealing with Mechanical Back Pain

• Make sure you stay fit and active for as long as you can.
• When you get up in the morning, don’t bend your back for the first two hours.
• If your leg hurts, move gently initially but don’t stretch the leg. Nerves don’t like to be stretched.
• If you are in pain, try to lie on your stomach then gently extend your elbows and push your upper body up. Make sure your body stays relaxed while you do this.
• If your symptoms do not go away, consult your doctor.

Exercise can also help – these exercises by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie can help to reduce pressure on the nerve root. If, like most of us, you tend to sit in a slouching position, then they will help to restore the normal curvature in your spine.

When you are in pain, remind yourself that mechanical back pain will not kill you and it is serving as a warning that something is wrong. While it can be frustrating, try not to let it get you down and seek the advice of a professional.

You can find out more about mechanical back pain in our Broadgate Journal article and if you are suffering from low back pain, you can seek help from our team on 020 7638 4330. For more information about the author, Jose Marcelino, go to https://www.broadgatespinecentre.co.uk/london-physiotherapy/.