Sudden attacks of back pain are more likely to begin in the morning than later in the day, Australian researchers have found.

The researchers also found that back pain is also more likely to be triggered when fatigued or tired or when distracted while performing a manual task.

The study is the world’s first study of immediate back pain triggers, and ranks causes of back pain by degree of risk.

Study leader Associate Professor Manuela Ferreira, of the George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, said around 40% of sprains and strains in the study occurred from 8:00 – 11:00.

“We’re not sure why people are more likely to trigger an episode of back pain in the morning. It was unexpected”.

One of the reasons may be that spinal discs swell with fluid overnight, potentially leaving them more susceptible to stresses when loaded.

Contact your physiotherapist for more information about the causes of back pain, the treatment thereof and ways to prevent back pain.

Back pain affects a quarter of the world’s population

Each day back pain affects approximately 25% of the world’s population, and it is one of the ten leading causes of disease burden globally.

Back pain is, however, unique amongst this list of ten diseases because there has been little or no progress in identifying effective prevention strategies.

Says Associate Professor Manuela Ferreira of the George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney: “Most of us will have back pain at some point. Our recent study shows that it’s not just long-term stresses on the back that lead to back pain.

“The results of this study are unique, demonstrating for the first time that even brief exposure to a range of physical and psychosocial factors can considerably increase the risk of back pain.

“Just as importantly, this study shows there are several things we can do to prevent back pain – it’s not just something we’re prone to because we have been lifting heavy loads or inactive for a long time.

“The key message is that people should be careful when lifting: even brief exposure to heavy loads, awkward postures or being distracted can trigger an episode of back pain.”

Contact your physiotherapist for more information about the causes of back pain, the treatment thereof and ways to prevent back pain.

From information released by the George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney.

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