Acute low back pain is very common, yet many people do not seek medical attention for it. Acute low back pain is defined as back pain that is a short-term occurrence, usually lasting six to 12 weeks, that cannot be attributed to a specific cause. Common causes of acute low back pain include muscle strain, ligament sprains, spinal fractures, a herniated disc, and arthritis.
Without knowing the underlying cause and applying effective treatment, acute back pain could very well develop into a chronic condition. Below are a few tips to prevent this.
Things To Do For Low Back Pain Relief
- Rest – Pain is a sign that you need to allow your body to rest. For 48 hours after symptoms first appear, try refraining from your daily activities. However, staying in bed for too long can delay your recovery. Perform light activities that do not cause pain.
- Avoid long periods of inactivity – Low back pain is usually aggravated by sitting all day. Get up after every 20 minutes if you work in a chair all day.
- Learn correct body mechanics – A common cause of back pain and injury is poor body mechanics, which subject the spine to undue stress and contribute to wear-and-tear. Good body mechanics starts with good posture. Keep your spine in a neutral position to avoid injuries.
- Pay attention to your workstation – When sitting, keep your shoulders back and chest out. Lift your chin and make sure the armrests support your arms. Keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Your chair should have lumbar support, so invest in an ergonomic chair.
- Control Inflammation – Chronic inflammation can cause chronic back pain. Inflammation causes pain and the formation of scar tissue, which can impede healing and recovery. Ice helps reduce swelling. Heat therapy helps boost circulation, which the body needs for healing.
- Physical therapy exercises – Consult a licensed physical therapist before starting any exercise. Physical therapy exercises boost circulation and activate healing. It also helps relieve inflammation and eases pain. Stretching exercises help improve back flexibility and range of motion. Loosening the muscles in the abdomen, hips, and legs can also relieve back pain. Dynamic stabilization exercises help strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine and provide greater support during various motions.
It can be difficult to know where to start with these tips and how to apply them correctly. To ensure that you are doing them correctly, it’s best to consult with a spine specialist to keep you from feeling overwhelmed with the information you find online.
Get Your Back Pain Checked by a Specialist
A spine specialist can diagnose the root cause of your acute low back pain by reviewing your medical history, doing a physical exam (leg raise, reflex and range of motion tests, and neurologic exams), and ordering diagnostic tests (x-ray, CT scan, or MRI). An accurate diagnosis is the first step to recovery. The results of the exam and tests will pinpoint the cause of your low back pain. Early treatment makes a big difference in preventing chronic low back pain.
Low Back Pain Treatment in Westlake and Avon, Ohio
Your best chance at avoiding chronic back pain is to see a specialist of the spine as soon as you experience pain symptoms. Our spine specialists at Orthopaedic Associates provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of neck and back problems. We specialize in nonsurgical treatments of the spine and offer the latest minimally invasive techniques for relieving back pain. We also offer physical therapy in the same facility as our clinic. To schedule a consultation, call (440) 892-1440 today.