Your back is made up of the spine which is held together by ligaments and supported by complex layers of muscles to allow flexible movement. Your spine is a column of vertebral bones, connected by specialized joints and cushioned by discs to make this movement easier.

As well as supporting the rib cage and internal organs, it provides a bone-encased canal for nerves and the spinal cord, allowing the brain and rest of the body to communicate.

Back pain is a common problem and is said to affect up to 8 of 10 people in Western countries at some point in their life. Back pain may result from injuries to ligaments, bones, joints and discs which can have a significant impact on daily life and can interfere with work, daily activities or recreation. Increased muscle tension can also increase pain.

The good news is that most cases of back pain will settle within a few days. To help back pain settle, you should minimise your bed rest to 1-2 days after onset of pain at most. The best advice is to stay active and exercise to keep your back relaxed and moving.