Coping with...BACK PAIN

Lower back pain is very common, and often due to muscle strains. Here's how to find relief

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Digoxin in AF

A study has shown that for heart rate control in older people with established atrial fibrillation (AF), low-dose digoxin saves the NHS £500 each year compared with beta blockers. Both are cheap, but substantially fewer adverse events have been reported in patients taking digoxin. This saves money because there's less use of primary and secondary healthcare, plus patients reported that quality of life is better with digoxin. Ask your GP, especially if you experience side effects from beta blockers.

There are many causes, and pain often starts for no obvious reason. The spine is usually strong, and back problems are rarely due to any serious disease or damage. It often gets better on its own, improving within a few weeks, but can sometimes recur or last longer.

A common source of back pain is a mild injury such as a pulled muscle (strain), which is very painful but isn't dangerous. More serious medical conditions include osteoarthritis, a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve), ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory arthritis and, rarely, bone fractures, infection or cancers. Pain can also be referred from internal organs such as the heart, pancreas, gall bladder, kidneys or ovaries.

Initially use analgesia, rest for a day or two but then gently mobilise to prevent losing muscle strength.

Keep as active as possible, as it will help you cope better and return to your usual activities. Local heat or cold pads, massage or physical therapies may also be of benefit.