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Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for time off work and visits to health professionals. Up to 70% of the population will be affected by it at some time.1

Back pain can be triggered by heavy lifting or overuse of the muscles or ligaments. If body tissues become inflamed or damaged, local pain sensors send messages to the central nervous system and cause you to feel pain.
To reduce your risk of lower back pain, you should take care when lifting and always warm up the muscles of the lower back with a few gentle stretches before attempting any strenuous activity.

PREVENTION TIPS
  • Exercise regularly to improve muscle strength, mobility and flexibility.
  • Only take up sport or activity suited to your fitness level – don’t overdo it.
  • Always warm up and stretch before you exercise.
  • When lifting heavy or awkward items, always bend and lift with your knees.
  • Carry all heavy objects close to your body – holding them away invites back injury.
  • Beware of posture when sitting. If you work at a desk, make sure your desk is at elbow height, your monitor is at eye level and you are sitting with knees slightly lower than your hips.
  • Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, overloaded backpacks or briefcases.


MANAGING BACK PAIN
If you are suffering from back pain, it doesn’t pay to just ignore it and hope it gets better.
Stopping all exercise or opting for a couple of days bed rest may not always be the best route to recovery. Inactivity can cause stiffness, limit mobility and may actually increase pain.
Part of managing back pain is to keep moving, and that’s where physical manipulation (such as physiotherapy) and analgesics, which give temporary relief of acute pain and inflammation, may help.

VOLTAREN, SPECIALISED MUSCLE AND BACK PAIN RELIEF
Early appropriate management of back pain may help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of long-term pain.
Voltaren Rapid is specifically formulated to temporarily relieve pain and inflammation, which makes it a good short-term treatment choice for acute back pain.
Voltaren Rapid 25 works fast to help reduce both pain and inflammation in as little as 15 minutes2, to help you stay active and get back to doing what you enjoy, faster. If pain persists, you should speak to your doctor.

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST
Voltaren Rapid is available in two strengths for different pain levels.
Just ask your pharmacist whether Voltaren is right for you and what’s best for your condition.
Remember, you don’t have to put up with pain. The earlier you address it, the sooner you can get back to the things you love.



 1. Cavanagh & Weinstein. “Low Back Pain: Epidemiology, Anatomy and Neurophysiology.” Textbook of Pain, Wall D & Melzack R (eds) Churchill Livingstone, 1994. 2. When taken as an initial dose of 2 x 25mg tablets. Voltaren® Rapid contains diclofenac potassium 12.5mg (Pharmacy Medicine) & 25mg (Pharmacist Only Medicine) for short-term treatment of acute painful and inflammatory conditions. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Incorrect use could be harmful. Do not use if you have stomach ulcers. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. Consult your pharmacist if symptoms persist or if you have side-effects. Novartis Consumer Health Auckland.
®Registered Trademark. TAPS PP4971

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