What advice can HSE give about the treatments available for back conditions?
The HSE is not in a position to offer advice on the treatment of back pain. It is not its public role and any advice given might cut across the responsibilities of others. The best medical advice is to stay active, take painkillers if necessary and consult your GP if you experience severe pain, or the pain persists or suddenly gets worse. It may be necessary for your GP to refer you to see a specialist consultant or a medical practitioner to check that the condition is not serious. Because back pain has many causes, a precise diagnosis is not always possible, and this makes management of the pain all the more important. For further information visit the back pain section of this website. NHS Direct gives useful advice on best treatments for back pain. Other organisations such as Back Care and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy may also be able to help.
