Resting your muscles and joints could have a bad effect
Resting in bed when you've got sore muscles seems like best option doesn't it? However, studies show that resting prolongs pain, reduces mobility and extends recovery time.
A study of 1,000 people aged 25-65 with aches and pains, commissioned by the Simplyhealth Advisory Research Panel (ShARP), found that more than a third thought bed rest was the remedy.
Team GB kayaker, sports scientist and physiotherapist Paul Hobrough from ShARP comments: “People get trapped in a cycle where their lack of exercise not only exacerbates their pain and stiffness, it also leads to muscle wastage. This in turn can result in weight gain, placing even more stress on already painful joints.
He adds: “Prevention, timely treatment and ongoing advice from a health professional can make a real difference in terms of heading off problems.”
The study also reveals that the lower back is the nation’s number one sore spot and overweight people suffer joint pain daily.
Aches and pains associated with the body’s skeleton and muscles are a fact of life for hundreds of thousands of people in the UK, with back pain alone affecting four out of five people at some time in their lives.
Musculoskeletal conditions cost the UK £5.7 billion a year and result in 10 million lost working days.
While people visit the dentist when they have toothache and see an optician if their eyesight worsens, 89.5% of those with pain in their lower back and joints appear to be reluctant to consult a physiotherapist who could devise an exercise programme to suit their needs.
Physiotherapists can not only help with pain management approaches but, more importantly, treat the problem. Workouts guided by a physiotherapist can improve symptoms, according to a BMJ report, but only 6% in the study used them, with 42% saying pain stopped them from exercising as much as they would like.
Worryingly, three out of four did not seek advice about musculoskeletal problems, mistakenly believing they needed a GP referral to see a physiotherapist.
While many are aware that exercises such as swimming, yoga and pilates can help with muscle and joint pain, over 50% admitted to doing nothing to help their musculoskeletal health.
A weighty problem
Arthritis is the most common cause of musculoskeletal problems in the UK, with more than 10 million people per annum consulting a doctor about it. The problem continues to rise as a result of the growing issue of obesity in the UK.
Obesity and joint pain is a dangerous combination, as pain often limits physical activity and this increases weight gain, putting even more pressure on the back and joints. The ShARP study shows there is a direct link between weight and back problems, with almost all of those weighing 14 stone or more reporting problems. Knee pain in those weighing 14 stone or more was also almost twice that of those who weigh 9.5 stone or under.
Seeking help
Painkillers are the most commonly used treatment for back pain by over 50s with 63% resorting to them. Long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastric problems and are associated with a slightly increased risk of heart attack or stroke and therefore not recommended for anyone with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Dr Gill Jenkins of ShARP says: “Over the counter painkillers can be very useful, particularly for acute episodes, but it is not wise to take them for long periods without consulting your GP, particularly if you have any underlying problems. It is important that people with persistent aches and pains discuss their options with their doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional.”
Tagged in Health back pain exercise Healthy Body