How to treat back pain at home

25th December, 2019 • 5 min read

Is back pain making you miserable? If so, you’re not alone.

Around 8 out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

Back pain can be non-specific and mild, but it can also prevent you from carrying out everyday activities. Luckily, there are things you can do to treat back pain and you can do so from the comfort of your own home.

Here are some ways you can manage mild to moderate back pain, and tips for coping with non-specific backache.

How to treat back pain yourself

Keep moving

If you have really bad back pain, try and keep moving as much as you can. It may be tempting to sit or lie down to rest your back, but research shows that spending too much time in bed can make the pain worse. You may find it hard to get up and move about once you’ve spent a lot of time lying down, so try to stay active and keep up with your daily activities.

Certain types of exercise can help to relieve pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends low-impact aerobic exercise like walking, swimming or yoga. You may also find it helpful to join an exercise group or a local pilates class. The important thing is to focus on activities that will strengthen the muscles and joints in your back.

You can find some useful strengthening exercises in this

guide to managing back pain
.

Take anti-inflammatory medication if advised

A pharmacist may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help relieve back pain. They can advise about whether these are suitable for you, and how to use them safely.

Work on your posture

If your back hurts, you may be tempted to hold yourself in an awkward position. But poor posture can put more strain on the muscles that support your spine, delaying your recovery and increasing the pain.

To prevent this, try to maintain good posture at all times. Focus on sitting upright. Sit in a comfortable chair that offers plenty of support for your back and shift position every 10 to 15 minutes to reduce strain on your muscles. This guide to

common posture mistakes and fixes
may help.

Try hot or cold therapies

Hot or cold therapies may also offer some relief from back pain. Hot or cold compresses can be bought at most pharmacies. You can also hold a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area - wrap this in a thick towel before you place it against your back to avoid accidental injury.

Don’t forget your mental health

Back pain can be frustrating and unpleasant. If it lasts a long time, you may find you start to feel depressed or anxious about the pain. You may also find it difficult to motivate yourself, and this can affect your recovery.

If you’re struggling with negative emotions, try to remember that back pain is a common problem that normally passes after a few weeks or months. Staying active will often help with the pain, and regular exercise is key to making a full recovery.

You may find

cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- a type of talking therapy - useful if you’re struggling to cope. It’s designed to help you manage pain by changing the way you think.

Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.