Pain is a normal and healthy response by your nervous system, giving you a ‘heads up’ that something is wrong. It is simply a warning sign being sent from your body to your brain. Over the past 2.5 million years your nervous system has evolved to help you survive. Pain is such an integral part of your survival response, so it’s important to listen to your body. As you wouldn’t ignore a warning light appearing on your car dashboard, you shouldn’t ignore pain. A recent study found that every year half of the UK adult population (49%) will experience back pain. Due to sedentary lifestyles, back trouble now starts in school children and peaks in adults of 35 to 55 years old. As you get older you are more likely to have problems with your spine and joints. Research shows the following factors contribute to back pain :
- A history of back pain
- Poor posture
- Smoking and obesity
- Physical factors such as heavy work, frequent bending, twisting, lifting, pulling and pushing and vibrations
- Repetitive work or static postures
Stress, anxiety, depression and job satisfaction are also important contributing factors in a large number of people.