Ask the doctor - back pain

All About You online 19.03.2008

Read expert medical advice with doctors' questions and answers from Prima, SHE and Good Housekeeping

I need a natural back pain remedy

I suffer lower back pain every couple of months for about a week. I take paracetamol, but are there any alternative painkillers I could try?

A number of natural painkillers may help. Glucosamine strengthens the gel in the discs of your spine, and is also thought to have an anti-inflammatory action. It appears to work best when combined with chondroitin, which also supplies building blocks for strengthening cartilage. Methyl-sulphonyl-methane (MSM) has an anti-inflammatory action that reduces pain, as does the herbal remedy devil’s claw. Two clinical trials examining the effects of devil’s claw found strong evidence that it was better than a placebo for improving back pain, while another study found it was at least as effective as a prescribed painkilling drug. If the pain keeps returning, do see your doctor.
Dr Sarah Brewer, Prima

Do I need a chiropractor?

My GP recommends seeing a chiropractor, but I’ll have to pay. Is it worth the cost?

Chiropractic is a mainstream complementary treatment that is widely accepted by the medical profession, and costs between £30 and £50 a session. For some problems, such as back injury, it’s often more effective than orthodox medicine. Its effectiveness increases if treatment is started within six weeks of the original injury. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the spine with rapid yet gentle thrusts to realign muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. This restores mobility, eases tension and promotes relaxation. The chiropractic profession is now regulated, and only people who are properly qualified can practise as such. To check if a chiropractor is registered, call 020 7713 5155.
Dr Sarah Brewer, Prima

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The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk