Low back pain is the most common type of pain seen in our local population. Back pain is also the leading cause of disability and the reason for medical leave taken worldwide.

Fortunately, measures can help prevent or relieve most back pain episodes, especially for people younger than 60 years old. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and using the body correctly often will heal the back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.

The most common age group affected is usually 30-50 years old. Roughly 4 out of 5 patients will not need interventional procedures or surgery. More than 85% of patients will see their family doctor once in their lifetime.

The different treatments regime would depend on a good history taking, a brief medical examination and rarely imaging like radiograph or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) would be needed.

Non-surgical treatments that have good evidence would include pain-relieving exercises, stretches, patient-oriented/feedback regimes, position posture to relieve pain, lifestyle modification, cessation of smoking,

Exercise stretching and strengthening your abdomen and spine muscles can help prevent back problems. Strong back and abdominal muscles help you keep good posture, with your spine in its correct position. Among the popular pain-relieving positions to relieve pain are the chest knee position, sitting flexion position, sloppy push-up, Trunk flexion and pelvic tilt position. Types of exercises can be seen in the image below

Ask your provider or physical therapist to help you develop an exercise program. Ask your provider how many times a week you need to do the exercises. Remember to start slowly.

These exercises are intended only as suggestions. Be sure to check with your provider before starting the exercises.