Back Pain just before the " Family Holiday "

Every year at this time, at least one person will come through my clinic door, with really bad back pain, just days before their annual "Family Holiday". The holiday has probably been booked for weeks. Their kids are climbing off the wall in excitement, and now just days before what should be a great holiday, this pain has happened !

As a parent, I can empathise. and know that getting ready for a holiday can often involve a lot of rushing around trying to fit in 100 extra things like last minute clothes shopping, booking the cat in to the cattery, climbing into the loft to get down the cases, getting the car serviced, sitting down at the computer to clear as much work from the desk. All twisty, lifty, bendy straining disc squashing activities just perfect to tweak a weak back.

The moment they walk into my practice the question I know most people will ask is :
" Will I be well enough to go away ..... ?"

Most times, my advice is that the best thing they can do, is somehow still go away on that two week holiday, and relax. If they stay home alone they will have no one to help, and most likely they will be miserable. Often treatment with mobilisation, electrotherapy, and strapping, even a couple of times before departure can speed up recovery dramatically. Once they are away they can relax on a lounger, or lie on the ground just as easily on the beach or pool side soaking up some safe rays, as they can at home. Plus food is usually prepared in the hotel. In warm weather a light diet, and barbeques are easy On holiday the children will carry on as usual enjoying everything. It can be easier even for a one parent family, because there are usually other children around, entertainment, children's clubs, all sorts

To make things easy when they are away I advise them

• To get some really good strong pain relief and anti inflammatory drugs from the Pharmacist to take with them. Enough to last while they are away.
  
• If they have time I tell them to order a neoprene double pull lumbar support from Physio-Med. If not I tell them to take an extra long sarong to use as a waist wrap
  
• If they are flying then I tell them to take a small fleece blanket which they can roll up into a thin lumbar support for the flight. Plus I ensure they understand why they must be up and walking around in departures not sitting about compressing discs.
  
• NO LIFTING of cases or pushing trolleys
  
• If they are going by car, then I tell them not to be driver, to recline the passenger seat back, use a lumbar support, and stop the car, get out and walk around every 90 minutes max.
• To get the children involved in carrying luggage, and pack light
  
• Finally, if they are staying somewhere with a pool, I give them exercises and advice on what to do once the acute stage settles
  

There are a few exceptions.
Mainly when its obvious that someone has a really severe disc problem or there are other signs which mean an urgent MRI scan or other tests are needed.

As a Physio, I can check using simple orthopaedic examination processes, such as testing reflexes, nerve stretches, changes in skin sensation.
If you have a severe bout of pain and your holiday is a week away go chat to your local physio and get some advice, so far this year I haven't had anyone who has had to cancel their trip