Treatment for back and neck pain

Keep moving

Staying active is the best thing you can do. Try to carry on with your normal activities as much as you can, even if you need to go slowly. Gentle walking, swimming and stretching help.

Exercise and physiotherapy

NICE guidance recommends exercise programmes, such as stretching, strengthening, yoga or pilates, for low back pain. A physiotherapist can give you exercises that suit you, and may also use hands-on treatment such as manipulation or massage alongside exercise.

Medicines

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. They are not suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist.
• Paracetamol on its own is not recommended for low back pain, because research shows it does not help much.
• Opioids such as codeine are not recommended for long-term back pain.
• Sciatica may be treated with medicines for nerve pain, but these do not work for everyone and can cause drowsiness.

Help with long-term pain

Pain that goes on for months can affect sleep, mood and work. Your GP may suggest:

• a pain management programme, which combines exercise with ways to cope with pain
• a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• acupuncture is not recommended for low back pain, but may be offered for some other kinds of long-term pain

Injections and surgery

For some people with severe sciatica, a spinal injection or surgery to relieve pressure on a nerve can help. A procedure called radiofrequency denervation may be offered for some long-term back pain coming from the joints of the spine. You would be referred to a specialist first.