Everyone has lots of things we do each day that involves our back. If we have a sore back,  just managing our own day-to-day activities can be challenging. As a Carer the additional tasks involved in caring for someone could increase the risk of back injury, or could make life with a sore back pretty miserable.

If the person you are caring for has mobility issues or needs support with moving and handling, ask your GP or another health-care professional such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse for assessment of their needs and any adaptations, equipment or handling aids that may be helpful, if this has not been done. Also ask for guidance on ways to lift and move more safely, if this is something that is required and you have not already been shown.

If you are concerned about managing moving and handling, including being able to support someone with their personal care, speak with Connecting Carers via the Carer Support Line to talk through the situation and arrange your own Carer’s assessment if you have not had one. There is also further information here about looking after your back here: Caring for your back – Carers UK.

We only get one spine, so it is worth looking after. Looking after your overall health will be helpful too in protecting your back and your general physical health. Eat well, get a good quality of sleep, rest, relax and look after your mental wellbeing. Do ask for additional help if you find you are not managing with moving and handling tasks. A person’s needs for moving and handling can change over time, and further assessment and support may be needed to take account of this.

If you are experiencing back pain, seek specific advice from your community pharmacist, GP or another appropriate health professional who can suggest treatment if needed. Your GP may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist, or there may a route for self-referral to an NHS physiotherapist linked with your GP practice. Ask your GP practice for details.

If you would like more information call our Carer Support Line on 01463 723560 or email us on carers@connectingcarers.org.uk.