Causes of back pain

Often it's not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Doctors call this "non-specific" back pain. Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain, but often it occurs for no apparent reason. It's very rarely caused by anything serious. Occasionally back pain can be due to a medical condition such as: a slipped (prolapsed) disc – where a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nearby nerve sciatica – irritation of the nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet These conditions tend to cause additional symptoms – such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation – and they're treated differently to non-specific back pain.

Preventing back pain

It's difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk: do regular back exercises and stretches – your GP or a physiotherapist may be able to advise you about exercises to try stay active – doing regular exercise can help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise a week avoid sitting for too long when driving or at work take care when lifting – read some safe lifting tips check your posture when sitting, using computers and watching television – find out how to sit correctly and tips for laptop users ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise if you're overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain

It important to get a diagnosis

Although there is no cure for dementia at present, if it's diagnosed in the early stages, there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function. A diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives. The symptoms of dementia tend to worsen with time. In the much later stages of dementia, people will be able to do far less for themselves and may lose much of their ability to communicate. Read more about how dementia is diagnosed, or find out more about: Living with dementia Staying independent if you have dementia Looking after a loved one with dementia

BMI categories

Being overweight may not be as unhealthy as it was 40 years ago," BBC News reports. New research has found a body mass index (BMI) of 27 is linked to the lowest rate of death – but someone with a BMI of 27 is currently classed as being overweight. BMI is a score calculated by dividing your weight (usually in kilograms) by the square of your height (usually in metres and centimetres). Currently, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is classified as being overweight. Researchers looked at 120,528 people from Copenhagen, recruited from 1976 to 2013, and separately compared those recruited during the 1970s, 1990s and 2000s. They were followed up until they died, emigrated, or the study finished. The BMI linked to the lowest risk of having died from any cause was 23.7 in the 1970s group, 24.6 in the 1990s group, and had further risen to 27 in the 2003-13 group. It may be the case that the suggested upward shift in optimal BMI is the result of improvements in preventative treatments for weight-rela...

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