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Back strain is common and also in the UK about two million people suffer from chronic backache.

The many vertebrae comprising the backbone are each separated by a disc or pad of cartilage. These can degenerate or protrude, pressing on the sciatic nerve causing sciatica which is severe pain down the back of a leg, often reaching to the heel.

The vertebrae themselves may become osteoarthritic and this can reach from the neck region (cervical spondylitis) to the lower back (lumbar spondylitis). In the lower back a prolapsed disc (PID) may cause acute sciatica and really severe pain. Initial treatment of this is rest for a few days followed by physiotherapy and exercises. These provide a natural protective corset by developing the back muscles.

Persistent and severe disc degeneration may be cured by surgical removal of the offending discs. Occasionally this is combined with fusion of two or more vertebrae to prevent painful movements of the back later.