What To Take For Severe Lower Back Pain

What Are The Risks

Long bed rest can lead to slower recovery.Staying in bed for any prolonged period can make you stiff and increase pain. When you dont move and bend, you lose muscle strength and flexibility. With bed rest, you lose about 1 percent of your muscle strength each day. And you can lose 20 to 30 percent in a week. It becomes more difficult to return to any activity. As you become weaker and stiffer your recovery takes longer.

Who needs bed rest?Almost no one! The only people who might require time in bed are those with unstable spinal fractures awaiting surgery.

What can I do for the pain?Hot or cold packs often help. Some people can get pain relief from non-prescription analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen . But no medication should be taken for an extended period of time.

When should I see a health care provider?You should see your health care provider right away if:

• You have severe continuous back pain that lasts longer than 48 hours.
• You have severe continuous back pain and fever.
• You have back pain with accompanying pain, numbness or weakness in one or both legs or feet. Your leg symptoms are more disabling than your back symptoms.
• You have back pain and the onset of numbness in your private/genital region or changes in your ability to control your bladder and bowel function.

Sensations That Might Indicate A Medical Emergency

1. Sharp pain rather than a dull ache: This could indicate a torn muscle or ligament, or a problem with an internal organ in the back or side.2. Radiating pain: This pain “moves” or shoots to the glutes or legs, which could indicate a nerve compression condition.

3. Sudden weakness in the legs: Limb weakness can be caused by compressed nerves in the spine due to conditions like sciatica or spinal stenosis. However, sudden leg weakness could also indicate a stroke.4. Incontinence: Back pain paired with inability to control the bowels or bladder might be a sign of serious nerve compression or a spine infection, such as discitis or meningitis.5. Numbness or pins and needles in the groin or glutes: This is known as saddle anesthesia and is also a sign of a serious nerve or spine condition.

If you have leg weakness, incontinence, and numbness together, you might have cauda equina syndrome, a serious illness characterized by spinal cord nerve damage. This is a medical emergency, and patients usually need surgery immediately to decompress the nerves and reduce permanent damage.

Related reading: Get help for back, neck, and leg pain caused by spinal stenosis

Medication From The Store

There are two kinds of over-the-counter pain relievers that frequently help with back pain: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. Both have some side effects, and some people may not be able to take them. Talk to your doctor before taking pain relievers. And don’t expect medication alone to solve your pain problem. Studies show you’ll probably need more than one type of treatment.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Your Lower Back To Stop Hurting

What Research Is Being Done

The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is to seek fundamental knowledge of the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. NINDS is a component of the National Institutes of Health , the leading supporter of biomedical research in the world.

As a primary supporter of research on pain and pain mechanisms, NINDS is a member of the NIH Pain Consortium, which was established to promote collaboration among the many NIH Institutes and Centers with research programs and activities addressing pain. On an even broader scale, NIH participates in the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee, a federal advisory committee that coordinates research across other U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies as well as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

How The Remove Background Tool Works In Word

When you erase an image background in Word, you can delete objects or people in a photo, or remove solid colors that dont work well with the other colors in the document. Removing the fill increases flexibility and creativity when designing documents, can make certain objects pop out of an image, and expands text-wrapping options.

Much like a regular image editing application, you choose which parts of the image to delete and which parts to keep. The initial background removal process usually doesnt catch exactly what you want to delete or keep, so use the additional keep and remove tools to customize the picture.

Dont Miss: Advil Vs Ibuprofen For Back Pain

You May Like: How To Know If Mattress Is Causing Back Pain

Relieving Your Back Pain

When you are suffering from an ache or struggling to get lower back pain relief, it may seem difficult to take a proactive approach to the matter. However, alleviating such aches may be largely within your control. If you make some simple changes in habit and lifestyle, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. At North Texas Medical Center, we take great pride in helping our community achieve better health. If you are suffering from backache, call us at , or contact us online today.

You May Like: Exercise To Increase Buttocks And Hips

Drugs Are Not Part Of The Latest Recommendations For Treating Mechanical Back Pain

What the researchers found was surprising: for acute and subacute low back pain, the best and safest treatments are not medicines. The ACP made the following strong recommendation:

Most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment and can avoid potentially harmful and costly treatments and tests. First-line therapy should include nondrug therapy, such as superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation. When nondrug therapy fails, consider NSAIDs or skeletal muscle relaxants.

Because most mechanical back pain improves no matter what, we dont want to prescribe treatment that can cause harm. Because some medications carry significant risks, we really shouldnt be recommending these right off the bat. Rather, we should be providing guidance on heating pad or hot water bottle use, and recommendations or referrals to acupuncturists, massage therapists, and chiropractors. These therapies were somewhat effective, and are very unlikely to cause harm.

You May Like: What Sleep Number For Lower Back Pain

When To See A Spine Specialist For Chronic Back Pain

Sometimes back pain comes on quick, and you know exactly what caused it. After some stretching, resting and pain relievers, you’ll remember to bend with your knees next time.

But, other times, people experiencing back pain are often left thinking: I don’t even remember when the pain started or what I did to cause it. The reality is that the source of you back pain may not always be evident which can also make it hard to know when it’s time to see an expert.

Dr. Hwang says the following five signs likely indicate that it’s time to see a spine specialist for your back pain:

1. Your pain is severe. While some back pain is only mild to moderate, severe back pain is when your pain is constant, intense or gets worse when you’re resting or at night.

2. Your pain is persistent. If your back pain lasts longer than three months, it’s considered chronic and may require a tailored treatment plan.

3. Your pain isn’t isolated to your back. If your pain is traveling down your leg, you have numbness or weakness in your hips or legs, or you’re experiencing tingling in your legs and feet, it may be a sign that there’s pressure on your spine.

4. Everyday activities have become difficult. If your back pain is already affecting routine activities, don’t let it get so debilitating that it keeps you from doing things you enjoy.

Next Steps:

• Find a Houston Methodist spine specialist that can treat your back pain at a location convenient for you

Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be

Do you have lower back pain? You are not alone. Anyone can experience lower back pain at any time, even if you dont have a prior injury or any of the risk factors. It is not always serious and can often get better on its own. But in some cases pain is your bodys way of telling you that something isnt right.

Learn more about lower back pain and what causes it from rehabilitation physician Akhil Chhatre, M.D., who specializes in back pain in the Johns Hopkins Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Recommended Reading: How Successful Is Lower Back Surgery

Living With Lumbar Strain

Cold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source.

• For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.
• After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad.
• Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen.

Injections And Other Procedures

If you have severe sciatica, your doctor may suggest an epidural injection. Epidural injections contain a local anaesthetic and steroid to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Theyre only recommended for sciatica and not non-specific lower back pain.

If your back pain is chronic and other treatments havent helped, your doctor may suggest a procedure called radiofrequency denervation. Its only suitable for certain types of back pain. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist to assess whether it would help you.

Donât Miss: Can Lower Back Pain Cause Hip Pain

Read Also: How To Help Lower Back Pain Stretches

How Is Lumbar Strain Diagnosed

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnosing low back pain may include the following. However, specialized tests aren’t often required.

• X-ray. A diagnostic test that produces images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
• CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

• MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body.
• Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into your blood to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone.
• Electromyogram . A test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.

Prevention Of Back Pain

You may be able to prevent back pain from overuse or improper body mechanics. The following recommendations can help you have a healthy back and lifestyle:

• Perform regular exercise that keeps your back muscles strong. Exercises that increase balance and strength can decrease your risk of falling and injuring your back or breaking bones. Exercises such as tai chi and yoga or any weight-bearing exercise that challenges your balance are good ones to try. Remember to warm up before exercise or other physical activities.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes enough calcium and vitamin D, nutrients that keep your spine strong.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can put unnecessary and injury-causing stress and strain on your back.
• Practice good posture and avoid slouching. Try to remember to support your back when sitting or standing.
• Avoid lifting heavy items whenever possible. If you do lift a heavy item, use your leg and abdominal muscles instead of your back.

You May Like: How To Relieve Back Pain At Home

When Should I Call My Doctor

• You have severe pain.
• You have new numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in your lower back, legs, arms, or genital area.
• You lose control of your bladder or bowel movements.
• You have a fever or sudden weight loss.
• You have new or worse pain.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Tips To Strengthen Your Back

Flexion and extension exercises are commonly used to prevent low back pain. Be sure to review with the doctor any program you are considering.

Easy Low Back Exercises

• Ankle Pumps: Lie on your back and move ankles up and down.
• Heel Slides: Lie on your back and bend then straighten the knees one at a time.
• Wall Squats: With your back flat against a wall, sit like you would in a chair with your knees lined up over your ankles. Gently press against the wall, keeping your abdominal muscles tight. Hold for five seconds.
• Single Knee to Chest Stretch: Lying down with back flat, pull your knee into the chest.

Dont Miss: How To Identify Lower Back Pain

Recommended Reading: What Does Back Pain From Prostate Cancer Feel Like

What Are The Treatment Options For Hip Pain

If hip arthritis is what is causing your hip pain, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for your condition.

Arthritis has no cure, so most treatment methods are usually focused on managing symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend one of these options:

• Physical therapy
• Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture

Your doctor will use up all non-invasive treatment options before recommending surgery. However, if you are experiencing severe hip arthritis, surgery might be your best treatment option. The type of surgery for hip arthritis varies according to your needs. These include:

• Anterior hip replacement
• Total hip replacement
• Hip resurfacing

Patients who are suffering from severe arthritis often benefit from hip replacement surgery. Our hip surgeons, Dr. Timothy Bopp and Dr. Brian Dahl, at The Bone & Joint Center, offer a range of hip replacement options, including total hip replacement, minimally invasive total hip replacement, anterior minimally invasive hip replacement, and computer navigation hip replacement.

You May Like: Pain In Back Of Hip Joint

Lower Back Pain Treatment Options

, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . Discomfort in the lower back can be chronic or ongoing. It can also be a sudden and brief condition known as acute pain.

Causes of lower back pain include:

• spinal abnormalities, such as a slipped disc or spinal stenosis

Treatment options for lower back pain range widely according to the cause of the condition. Read on to learn more.

You May Like: Does Multiple Sclerosis Cause Back Pain

The Length Of Time Does Lower Back Pain Generally Last

Lower back pain can be categorized as severe, subacute or chronic. Acute episodes of lower back pain typically last from a few days to 4 weeks and also subacute lower back pain lasts in between 4 to 12 weeks. Nevertheless, according to the National Institutes of Health And Wellness, regarding 20 percent of people with intense back pain take place to establish persistent back pain specified as discomfort that lasts 12 weeks or longer. Also in these instances, there are various treatment alternatives to help relieve lower back pain signs.

When your back is truly killing you, you could stress something is seriously incorrect. The very same goes with back pain that appears never-ending. The bright side is that while back pain is a significant trouble, it is hardly ever an urgent medical issue. Actually, most of the time you do not need to treat it. Back pain usually deals with on its own unless you have a significant underlying concern. Lower Back Pain And Muscle Aches

Also Check: What Is The Best Bed For A Bad Lower Back

Surgery For Lower Back Pain

Because the vast majority of patients recover from their low back pain with little help from a doctor, the rationale behind choosing surgery must be convincing. Eighty percent of patients with sciatica recover eventually without surgery.

Severe progressive nerve problems, bowel or bladder dysfunction and the cauda equina syndrome make up the most clear-cut indications for back surgery. Back surgery will also be considered if the patients signs and symptoms correlate well with studies such as MRI or electromyogram .

In the most serious cases, when the condition does not respond to other therapies, surgery may well be necessary to relieve pain caused by back problems. Some common procedures include:

• , such as a or removal of a portion of a
• a bone graft that promotes the vertebrae to fuse together
• removal of the lamina to create more space and reduce irritation and inflammation

Also Check: What Kind Of Bed Is Good For Lower Back Pain

How Is Lumbar Strain Treated

Specific treatment for a lumbar strain will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the injury

• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Education regarding the use and wearing of appropriate protective equipment

Medicines, such as anti-inflammatories and spinal injections, may also be used to relieve pain and inflammation.

You May Like: How To Quickly Relieve Lower Back Pain

Risks And Side Effects

The most common side effects of epidural steroid injections are headaches and short-term increases in pain before pain relief sets in . Thereâs also a chance of infection at the injection site.

Getting steroid injections on a regular basis can lead to its own set of problems. Frequent injections can cause cartilage damage, death of nearby bone, nerve damage, thinning of nearby bone , and tendon weakening or rupture .

Because repeatedly injecting the same joint carries high risks of devastating side effects, doctors typically limit the number of injections to any given joint to four per year.

You May Like: What Is Better For Back Pain Ibuprofen Or Acetaminophen

Don’t Miss: How To Know When Back Pain Is Serious

The Universal Guide To Lower Back Pain: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know Straight From The Experts

In This Article: Lower Back Anatomy | How Long Does Lower Back Pain Usually Last? | Common Causes | Other Causes | Home Remedies | Nonsurgical Treatments | Complementary, Alternative, and Emerging Treatments | Surgery | When Is Lower Back Pain an Emergency? | Lower Back Pain Prevention |

If youve ever had lower back pain stop you from doing what you want, youre not alone. Lower back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the world. It is a leading reason why people visit a doctor, affecting more than 80% of adults at some point in their lives. According to the Global Burden of Diseasea significant study published in the Lancet medical journallower back pain is also a leading cause of disability.

While severe lower back pain can cause worry, pain severity is not always an indication something is seriously wrong. Photo Source: Shutterstock.

You may not be able to prevent lower back pain, especially as you age and your back loses some strength and resilience. Fortunately, there are many ways you can get relief, no matter the cause of your back pain.

You May Like: How To Treat Disc Bulge In Lower Back