Yes I know that there are several different ways that back pain can be managed. If your pain continues, your doctor may refer you to a pain clinic. Pain clinics offer a range of treatments that are known to be effective and can also help you deal with your pain by changing the way you think about it. Treatments at pain clinics are often combined and tailored to suit your needs.

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines (usually steroids) can be injected directly into the epidural space (the space around your spinal cord) or around the joints of your spine to ease pain and decrease inflammation. (Ouch!) These injections are only given by specialist doctors in hospitals. Epidural injections are usually only done if other treatments don't work.

Surgery is performed for back pain but only considered as a last resort in. The type of surgery offered will depend on the cause of your pain and each type has different risks and success rates. A surgeon will discuss the different options with you in more detail before going to this more drastic step.

I know that a lot of people swear by Complementary therapies and this help with back pain in some people. You should always talk to your doctor before trying them as they may be able to refer you to a specialist practitioner experienced in treating back pain. Acupuncture,counselling and the Alexander Technique - becoming more aware of your body's balance, posture, and movement are good to try as well as some herbal remedies and massage.
Prevention is always better than cure and good back care can greatly reduce your risk of back pain. To look after your back, make sure you:
·take regular exercise - walking and swimming are particularly recommended
·try to reduce your stress levels - use relaxation techniques
·bend from your knees and hips - not your back
·maintain good posture - keep your shoulders back and don't slouch!

you might want to get to a wellness chiropractic doctor. They specialize with back problems. But saffy post above might help a lot. Do that and if you still feel the pain then its time to see a doctor.

Hi Bob

I agree that there are a lot of things that we can do ourselves to help matters. I read the other day that more working days are lost from the UK economy every year from back problems than from any other single cause! I suppose the thing is that your back holds all the rest of your together and if it is hurting or not working properly then nothing works.

There are all sorts of self help books on this and even special exercise videos that you can get that help to strengthen the back muscles by specially tailored exercises.

We all need to get around so we have to look after our backs!

My father is suffering from extreme back pain. He has tried lot many medicines prescribed by our doctor, has also undergone therapy treatments and is finally resting since long. Does anyone can help me out what to do to have a good solution and to lessen the pain?