WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Low back pain (also called low back
sprain) is usually caused by muscle strain. The pain may
come on suddenly at the moment of injury or develop gradually
over time. With care, your back should return to normal.
However, backaches tend to recur, and some last over a long
period of time.
Causes
There are numerous causes. A
strain may occur while you are lifting, or happen during a
fall. An infection, a ruptured disk, or nerve damage may be at
fault. Other causes include osteoporosis (""brittle bone''
disease), tumors, hardening and stiffening of the spinal cord,
and childbirth. Sometimes no cause can be found.
Signs/Symptoms
Pain and stiffness may be
constant or intermittent. It may be more noticeable when you
bend over or first get out of bed.
Care
Get plenty of rest and follow
your doctor's treatment plan. You may need physical therapy to
strengthen your back muscles and medication to ease the pain.
For certain problems, such as a ruptured disk, surgery may be
needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Apply ice to the injury for 10 to 20 minutes each
hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic
bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your
skin.
-
After the first 1 or 2 days, you may apply heat to
the injury to help relieve pain. Use a warm heating pad,
whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 10 to 20 minutes
every hour for 48 hours.
-
Stay in bed until your doctor says it is safe to get
up.
-
Resume normal activities when you can do them without
feeling pain.
-
When picking things up, never bend from the waist;
instead, bend at the hips and knees.
-
When sleeping:
-
Sleep on a firm mattress or put a 1/2- to 1-inch
piece of plywood between the mattress and box
springs.
-
Do not use a waterbed; it will not support your
back correctly.
-
Sleep with a pillow under your knees or sleep on
your side with your knees bent.
-
Wear low-heeled shoes.
-
Excess weight puts strain on the back. If you are
overweight, try to bring your weight down to
normal.
-
The right kind of exercises will strengthen your back
and reduce the chances of another strain. However, some
types of exercise can cause further injury. Check with your
doctor before undertaking any exercise
program.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have shooting pains into your buttocks, groin, or
legs.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have trouble urinating or lose control of your
bladder or bowels.
-
You develop numbness or weakness in your legs or
feet.
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