Fortunately for most people, acute lower back pain will go away within four to six weeks without extensive medical intervention. If the discomfort doesn't go away in that time span, having a doctor exam the back is a prudent move. But there are times when a person suffering from acute lower back problems should call the doctor immediately. Acute is defined as severe but not long term. Chronic pain is long term and doesn't often respond to conventional treatment. If the discomfort limits a person's usual or normal activities for more than a month or if there is any kind of shooting pain down the legs, there could be a more serious problem that needs immediate medical intention. For example, the sciatic is the longest nerve in the human body, which starts in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica is a term used to describe the numbness, leg pain, or tingling sensations that travel down the sciatic nerve. These painful sensations are caused by the compression or irritation of the roots of the sciatic nerve. Medical attention is normally needed to fight sciatica. Numbness in the lower extremities, groin or rectal area, is a real cause for concern and the person needs go to a doctor to determine the cause before it progresses any further. According to one medical website, acute lower back pain along with bladder or bowel control problems is also a reason for concern.
Surprisingly, doctors and other medical professionals don't usually know the exact causes of acute lower back pain. A variety of things can contribute to the problem, including lifestyle and obesity. Both lack of exercise and also extreme exercise can cause discomfort. Hard physical work, automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, and family history can contribute to the chances of suffering acute lower back pain. Believe it or not, there is evidence to suggest that smoking may even play a role. In fact, many lifestyle choices and factors contribute to the discomfort. Being overweight and in poor physical condition can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the lower back. So shedding some pounds and improving overall body conditioning is a proactive technique in preventing problems. Although the usefulness of stretching before an athletic event or physical exercise is highly debated, properly stretching muscles may help stave off injuries that contributed to the discomfort. Keep in mind that pulled muscles, ligament damage, and many other physical injuries don't show up in routine physical examinations or on x-rays. And people suffering from back problems can do several things to help speed rehabilitation along.
All of the following tips for alleviating acute lower back pain are taken from a major university medical center report. The first suggestion may seem as though it goes against conventional wisdom. The first reaction of many people and even some medical professionals is to rest the injured area, but that may only contribute to the discomfort. The Bible indicates that wisdom may not rest solely with what is offered but with who knows enough to take the advice and make good use of what is said. "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13: 10) At least one medical website suggests that a person should attempt to stay as active as possible at both work and home. Occasional bed rest can't hurt, but too much may cause increased stiffening of the affected area and actually increase the pain. Still, people with any kind of discomfort should limit the type and duration of activity. Strenuous or physical sports or exercise may not be the best option until completely healed.
Exercise some caution and much common sense while rehabilitating. Very often that may be all that's needed to begin healing. Since acute lower back pain may sometimes be attributed to tight or stiff muscles and joints, stretching several times a day might provide some relief. Stop stretching, if the pain increases. Use ice packs on the affected area for about 30 minutes a day. Ice may decrease discomfort and inflammation. Some people even find that applying heat to the lower back helps to relieve some of the pain. Also, don't be afraid to try some easy aerobic exercises. Finally, medications may help relieve acute lower back pain. Consult a physician before trying any of these techniques. Bear in mind, the above techniques are reactive. They are in response to something that has already developed.
Learn some proactive techniques to prevent acute lower back pain in the first place. Health care professionals with the university medical center have a few suggestions to reduce the chances of suffering from back pain. Learn proper techniques for lifting and moving heavy objects. Exercise and improve overall health and fitness. Improve posture while sitting. On that note, don't sit for extended periods of time. Get up and walk or stretch. Sleeping on the side with a pillow between the knees may also help. Finally, if smoking is a habit, find a way to quit. One of the effects of smoking is limited blood flow to the muscles. Time is not the best indicator of when to return to normal activity. Slowly return to strenuous activities. According to some experts, a return to normalcy is possible when a full range of motion has returned. But before attempting physical sports or the activity that may have been the root cause of the back problem, consult with a physician.
Surprisingly, doctors and other medical professionals don't usually know the exact causes of acute lower back pain. A variety of things can contribute to the problem, including lifestyle and obesity. Both lack of exercise and also extreme exercise can cause discomfort. Hard physical work, automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, and family history can contribute to the chances of suffering acute lower back pain. Believe it or not, there is evidence to suggest that smoking may even play a role. In fact, many lifestyle choices and factors contribute to the discomfort. Being overweight and in poor physical condition can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the lower back. So shedding some pounds and improving overall body conditioning is a proactive technique in preventing problems. Although the usefulness of stretching before an athletic event or physical exercise is highly debated, properly stretching muscles may help stave off injuries that contributed to the discomfort. Keep in mind that pulled muscles, ligament damage, and many other physical injuries don't show up in routine physical examinations or on x-rays. And people suffering from back problems can do several things to help speed rehabilitation along.
All of the following tips for alleviating acute lower back pain are taken from a major university medical center report. The first suggestion may seem as though it goes against conventional wisdom. The first reaction of many people and even some medical professionals is to rest the injured area, but that may only contribute to the discomfort. The Bible indicates that wisdom may not rest solely with what is offered but with who knows enough to take the advice and make good use of what is said. "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13: 10) At least one medical website suggests that a person should attempt to stay as active as possible at both work and home. Occasional bed rest can't hurt, but too much may cause increased stiffening of the affected area and actually increase the pain. Still, people with any kind of discomfort should limit the type and duration of activity. Strenuous or physical sports or exercise may not be the best option until completely healed.
Exercise some caution and much common sense while rehabilitating. Very often that may be all that's needed to begin healing. Since acute lower back pain may sometimes be attributed to tight or stiff muscles and joints, stretching several times a day might provide some relief. Stop stretching, if the pain increases. Use ice packs on the affected area for about 30 minutes a day. Ice may decrease discomfort and inflammation. Some people even find that applying heat to the lower back helps to relieve some of the pain. Also, don't be afraid to try some easy aerobic exercises. Finally, medications may help relieve acute lower back pain. Consult a physician before trying any of these techniques. Bear in mind, the above techniques are reactive. They are in response to something that has already developed.
Learn some proactive techniques to prevent acute lower back pain in the first place. Health care professionals with the university medical center have a few suggestions to reduce the chances of suffering from back pain. Learn proper techniques for lifting and moving heavy objects. Exercise and improve overall health and fitness. Improve posture while sitting. On that note, don't sit for extended periods of time. Get up and walk or stretch. Sleeping on the side with a pillow between the knees may also help. Finally, if smoking is a habit, find a way to quit. One of the effects of smoking is limited blood flow to the muscles. Time is not the best indicator of when to return to normal activity. Slowly return to strenuous activities. According to some experts, a return to normalcy is possible when a full range of motion has returned. But before attempting physical sports or the activity that may have been the root cause of the back problem, consult with a physician.
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