Q For the past five months I have been suffering with a bad back, with pain going down into my left leg and foot. There are pins and needles in my foot and some numbness. I am not aware of having injured my back but my job does involve occasional lifting and bending. Could you recommend a treatment that might alleviate the pain?

A I think more people consult complementary therapists about back pain than for any other reason. I read a survey recently, which estimated that between 60 to 80 per cent of the population suffers from a bad back at some time in their lives. It also calculated that up to one in three of us is suffering with back pain now.

There are many reasons underlying back pain, ranging from weak abdominal muscles to stress. From what you say in your letter it sounds as if you are suffering from a trapped nerve or slipped disk, possibly due to lifting heavy weights at work. If this is the case, then the best person to see is an osteopath, as they would be able to give you the correct diagnosis and possible treatment. The osteopath will also look into why the problem has occurred in the first place and give you advice on how to prevent it from happening again.

As you live in the Easingwold area, I recommend you go to see Simon Barnard, at Todd House in Easingwold. For an appointment call 01347 822946.