ABC of back pain

* Bed rest is not the best way to cure back pain. A bad back can be so sore for the first week that nothing other than bed rest can be tolerated, but after a while, mobility is important when the really acute phase is over. Some study reveals that if it is worse after rest, an inflammatory cause is likely.

* Most back pains ultimately do not need any surgery. In many cases, back pain is temporary and will naturally heal itself, otherwise other simple measures like physiotherapy and massage may help.

* It's not always true that X-rays, CAT scans or MRI can identify the real cause. Sometimes, diagnosing back pain can be very difficult. If the problem appears to be a disc, from time to time orthopaedic surgeons recommend a discogram, as this not only gives the picture of a disrupted disc, but also the pain source.

* Back pain is thought to be hereditary; so if your parents suffered, then take extra precautions.

Some very simple tips

* Keep away from putting on weight

* According to some specialists, exercise on a regular basis -- walking and swimming -- are helpful to strengthen the back. There are also roles for rehabilitation exercises.

* Try to learn (from doctors/qualified physiotherapists) safe lifting skills; during lifting, always bend your knees and keep your back straight.

* If you smoke -- give up smoking (it restricts blood flow to the spine).

Did you know?

Yelling too loudly too often can cause lesions on the vocal cords. Vocal cord means two thin folds of tissues within the larynx that vibrate as air passes between them, producing sounds that are the basis of speech.