The NHS has issued some much-needed advice to anyone suffering from back pain. And with Christmas just around the corner, people need to pay attention.
On the official NHS website, the health experts note that whilst "back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common" there are a few occasions where it could signal that it's not normal. It explains: "It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back."
Back pain can, of course, have many causes, but it is not always obvious why you get it. In fact, with Christmas around the corner, you may be tidying up the house, doing lots of cooking, building gifts and playing with the kids.
All of these could trigger your back pain, with the health experts noting that a "common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain)."
However, if you experience any pain in your back, never ignore it and keep a close eye on it, even if you attribute it to one of the above causes. Other causes could include medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis. "Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection", it warns.