Why Back Pain Occurs During Holidays — And What You Can Do About It
At Whole Body Osteopathy, we often notice a rise in patients coming in with acute (sudden onset) back pain during school holidays and long weekends. It’s no surprise- extra time off often means tackling big jobs around the house and garden, or lifting heavy suitcases if you’re lucky enough to go away.
When you have back pain, it can be hard to focus on anything else. But the good news is that with the right approach, recovery is usually quick. Here are some helpful tips from osteopath Dr Christine Thompson to get you back on track:
1. Don’t panic!
Back pain can be scary, but it’s important to remember that it will get better. In many cases, the pain isn’t caused by actual injury or tissue damage- it’s your body’s alarm system working overtime. Think of it like a fire alarm: sometimes it sounds because of a real fire, but more often, it’s just burnt toast. Your body will produce pain as a precaution (burnt toast) if it suspects continued activity may cause damage. Your osteopath can assess your symptoms, help determine the cause, and refer for imaging if needed.
2. Keep moving
It’s tempting to rest all day, but too much inactivity can slow recovery. Gentle movement, like short walks or light stretching, helps reduce stiffness and promotes healing. Just steer clear of anything that makes your pain worse in the early stages of recovery.
3. Try heat therapy
Applying heat can help soothe sore muscles and increase blood flow. A heat pack or warm bath is often all you need. If you’re experiencing muscle spasms and heat isn’t providing relief, try alternating with ice for short periods. A muscle liniment such as Fisiocrem (Christine’s personal favourite), Rock Sauce, or Deep Heat can also provide some relief.
4. Use pain relief if needed
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or painkillers can help manage discomfort and make it easier to stay active. Make sure you follow the directions on the label, and consult your pharmacist or health practitioner if you’re unsure what’s right for you.
5. Know when to seek support
If your pain hasn’t improved after a few days, it’s time to book in with your osteopath. We can assess the issue, provide hands-on treatment, and guide you with exercises and advice tailored to your recovery. If you experience numbness or weakness in your legs, or bladder or bowel issues following the onset of back pain, seek immediate medical attention.