Back Pain, Ouch!
Back pain is something that most of us have experienced or will experience in our lives, with most back pains occurring in the low back area. Experts have estimated that approximately 80% of Americans will experience low back pain during their lifetimes and back pain is the second most common reason to visit a physician. Back pain is one of the leading causes of days lost at work. Back pain is divided into three groupings based on duration.
- If your back pain lasts less than four 4 weeks, it is considered acute or short term.
- Back pain that lasts 4 to 12 weeks is subacute
- Back pain that lasts 12 weeks or longer is considered chronic back pain.
Fortunately, most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of the treatment option they choose to treat it with.
Risk factors for back injuries
Those at risk for musculoskeletal causes of back pain include those who use their back during physical work, those who don’t exercise regularly, those who are overweight and those who don’t practice good back mechanics. Most of the acute back pain episodes are due to sprains, strains or tears to muscles, ligaments, or tendons on and around the spine. Fortunately, over 90% of these injuries resolve within a few days to weeks.
Prevention of back injuries
Core exercises can help prevent these episodes by improving your abdominal and back strength. Speak with you doctor if you are concerned about starting exercises. Good back mechanics include bending of the legs/squatting as opposed to bending over at the back, which puts a lot of strain on the lower back. Even something as simple as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can set off an episode of acute back pain that lasts for days. Also don’t sit or stand in one position for long periods of time as the muscles tend to tighten up, instead get up and move around occasionally. Use ergonomically designed equipment to reduce stress on your body. Sleeping on your side is best to reduce back issues, as sleeping on your stomach puts strain on your back during the night.
Treatment of back injuries
Once you have an episode of acute back pain, rest, ice and stretching exercises are good practices to improve and relieve the pain. Over the counter pain medications (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, etc.), spinal manipulation (chiropractor or osteopathic physician), and physical therapy and massages can also help reduce the acute pain. Bed rest beyond a day or two is not helpful in relieving back pains. If the pain is not improving after about several days with these treatments, then consider seeing your physician for further recommendations.
Cautions
There are also many other causes of back pain other than mechanical injuries. Red flags to consider are chest or abdominal pain radiating to your back, fevers, blood in the urine, weakness, or loss of use of a leg or foot, etc. and you should see your doctor. Contact your physician if you have any concerns about your back pain.