*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Back Pain

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.

Causes of back pain

Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.

A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).

Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain.

Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.

How to ease back pain yourself

Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

Do

stay active and try to continue with your daily activities
take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen - paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller
use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling
use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms
try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain

Don't

do not stay in bed for long periods of time

Exercises and stretches for back pain

There are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice.

Other places to find back pain exercises include:

Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain.

See a GP if:

back pain does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks
the pain is stopping you doing your day-to-day activities
the pain is severe or getting worse over time
you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:: always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
you cannot sleep
it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:: always there
makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:: comes and goes
is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if:

You have back pain and:

a high temperature
you've lost weight without trying to
there's a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape
the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night
the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
the pain is coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have back pain and:

pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
difficulty peeing
loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself)
chest pain
it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident

Treatments for back pain

If your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers or medicines to relax the muscles in your back.

Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.

These include:

group exercise sessions and physiotherapy
manual therapy - where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you cope with the pain
a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain)

If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.

Self-refer for treatment

If you have back pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
check your GP surgery's website
contact your integrated care board (ICB) - find your local ICB
search online for NHS treatment for back pain near you

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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