By Dr Fiona de Ferrars, Okement Surgery (part of the Wallingbrook health group) based in Okehampton Community Hospital.

'Health Matters' is an interesting, new series of monthly articles on common medical problems.

I wanted to write these articles to share the things I have learnt from consultations which I have had with patients while working as a GP. There are a great many important health issues which are relevant to us all and, with the looming crisis of antibiotic resistance, coupled with increasing problems such as diabetes and obesity, I believe that we need to give more thought to maintaining our health.

When people talk about where they live, they are usually referring to their homes, but I always want to reply we 'live' in our bodies. We are stuck with what we have got, and all we can do is look after it as best as we can. This takes time and energy, which is hard to find in the modern world.

The patient participation group at my surgery will be advising on the content of the articles to make sure that they are focused on what you all want to know. If you have any requests for future articles, please put them in the suggestion box next to the PPG noticeboard or email the Times at [email protected]">[email protected]

Things you need to know about non-specific low back pain

I see at least five people a week with low back pain. It affects eight out of ten people at some time in their lives. In most cases, the pain is usually mild and gets better after a few days or weeks. When there is no underlying structural cause, it is called non-specific low back pain and usually starts in patients aged between 30 and 50 years. The pain is often triggered by heavy lifting, especially if the muscles have not been warmed up but can also start when at rest. In some cases the pain is severe, which unfortunately makes most people want to go to bed which is the worst thing that you can do!

The damage is so small, it cannot usually be seen on a scan, so scans are not routinely done unless the pain is long lasting or other symptoms are present.

The spine is not a stiff rod. It is best to think of the spine being formed from 24 separate mobile bones. Back pain is usually located in the lumbar region at the base of the spine near the hips. Commonly the pain is felt in the muscles either side of the vertebrae and is due to a disruption or tear in the muscles, ligaments or cartilage. This can result in the muscle going into spasm by contracting tightly, like cramp. As the muscles both support the spine and enable it to bend, the spine can even be bent into a sideways curve!

This is why the best treatment for back pain is to do exercises, stretches or massage, despite the pain which movement causes. Keeping still only makes back pain worse. Painkillers can make it easier to move and anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen is very good, as it helps make the inflammation better, as well as removing the pain. If the pain persists, then your GP may refer you for an appropriate assessment.

However, it is better to try to look after your back before you get any pain, and try to keep your back healthy. If a back is not exercised then muscles tighten and it is more likely to become painful, so it is important to exercise regularly to build up core strength and flexibility. Try bending forwards and from side to side, think of how your back is enabling you to move and do things — surely it's worth looking after this ability?

Tips for a healthy back:

1. Avoid bad posture and sitting awkwardly for long periods, especially with poorly set up computer screens or laptops.

2. Standing for prolonged periods can cause back ache, take some breaks.

3. Try not to be overweight, as large stomachs stress spines by pulling forwards.

4. Be aware that high stress levels cause muscles to tense, which squashes everything and increases the risk of muscle tears. So try to relax!

5. Follow manual handling guidance when lifting.

n Please see your own GP if you have any questions.