Connect Health
You can self-refer for NHS physiotherapy through Connect Health’s Merton Community MSK Service
Website: https://www.connecthealth.co.uk/services/merton/
Telephone: 0203 795 3430
Getubetter
Provides digital self-management support for all common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including back, back and leg, neck, shoulder, knee and ankle pain.
Website: https://app.getubetter.com/request-access/1/17d63b1625c816c22647a73e1482372b
Back Pain
Back pain is very common and seldom due to anything more than strained muscles or ligaments. X-rays are not usually helpful.
Long term back pain is often related to poor posture, be this at a desk, whilst driving or in bed. Exercise programmes, for example from a physiotherapist, may be of benefit.
Sudden back pain is usually caused by bending or lifting awkwardly – the weight involved need not be great and is in fact often something quite trivial.
If a nerve root is pinched by the muscle spasm, pain may appear to travel down the leg.
The mainstay of treatment is adequate pain relief. Aspirin, paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs are all available over the counter and are all that is required for the majority of back pain. They should be taken at regular intervals for several days. If the pain does not ease after a week consult your doctor.
