About this topic
Low back pain is a pain or discomfort in the lower part of your back and spinal column. The pain may be mild to very bad. It may last for a short or long period of time. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
Back pain is common. In most cases, your back will feel better in 1 to 3 weeks. You may need to have help at home if you are not able to do your normal activities right away. Some people need help with things like cooking or bathing. ‚
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your back. Full bedrest should not be done for more than 1 to 2 days in most cases. Get up and move around gently during the day as you are able. Some positions are more comfortable for you when lying down. Try using a pillow between your knees when you lie on your side. Use a pillow under your knees when on your back.
- Ice your back a few times a day. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Protect your back. This means no twisting or lifting heavy objects. Check with your doctor when it is OK to do heavy exercise.
- Use a lumbar support belt. This supports your pelvis and eases pain.
- Your doctor may order exercises to help your back. Be sure to do these as ordered. You may need other care to help your back.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to other experts and therapists to help you with your pain. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Regular exercise may prevent back injuries. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Good choices include walking, swimming, and biking.
- Lose weight if you are too heavy.
- Practice good posture to lower pressure on your spine.
- Do not sit or stand in one position for a long period of time.
- If you must stand for long periods, rest one foot at a time on a small stool to ease pressure on your lower back.
- When lifting, hold the object close to your body, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to slowly stand.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad pain or pain for more than 15 minutes while working out
- Weakness or numbness in your legs, feet, or genital area
- Problem with walking, standing, or moving
- Problem passing urine or loss of bowel or bladder control
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have numbness or tingling in my legs, feet, or genitals.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00311 ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Back_Pain/back_pain_ff.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚