Symptoms
Overview
- Lower back pain is the cause of countless visits to doctors' offices and emergency rooms.
- It is the second most common cause of lost workdays, after cold and flu symptoms. Over 80% of individuals experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.
- In most cases, the cause of lower back pain is not serious, and the pain usually subsides within 4-6 weeks, without special treatment.
Does this describe your symptom?
- Upper, mid or lower back pain that occurs mainly in the midline.
- Not due to a known major (such as an auto accident or fall) back injury.
Related Symptoms
Should I Call?
- Call 911 NOW (you may need an ambulance) IF:
- Passed out (fainted)
- Very weak (can't stand)
- Call Your Doctor NOW (night or day) IF you have any ONE of the following:
- You feel weak or very sick
- Severe pain
- Visible sweat on face, or sweat is dripping down your face
- Associated abdominal pain
- Weakness of a leg or foot
- Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
- Numbness in groin or rectal area
- Unable to urinate and your bladder feels very full
- Blood in urine
- Fever and pain over lower ribs of back (flank)
- Vomiting and pain over lower ribs of back
- Pain or burning with urination and pain over lower ribs of back
- Pain goes into groin or scrotum
- Pregnant and pain is not relieved with rest
Action: If you are unable to reach your doctor - go to one of our nearby urgent care clinics or to a local hospital Emergency Department.
Use our Facility Search to find an urgent care clinic near you.
- Call Your Doctor WITHIN 24 HOURS (during regular daytime office hours) IF:
- You think you need to be seen
- You have a history of cancer, HIV, or intravenous drug abuse
- Fever
- Rash or blisters in same area as pain
- Call Your Doctor DURING WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS IF:
- You have other questions or concerns
- Back pain lasts more than 2 weeks
- Back pain is a recurrent, ongoing problem
- Over 50 years old and you have not experienced similar back pain previously
- Back pain lasts more than 3 days and it interferes with normal activities or awakens you from sleep
- Pain radiates (shoots, spreads) into the thigh or down a leg
- Provide Care at Home for:
- Mild back pain and you don't think you need to be seen
Care at Home
Reassurance
- Heavy lifting or excessive twisting can cause lower back pain.
- With treatment, the pain usually goes away in 1 to 2 weeks.
Local Cold Or Heat
- During the first 2 days after a mild injury,apply a cold pack or ice bag (wrapped in a moist towel) to the sore muscles for no more than 20 minutes (to prevent frostbite) four times a day.
- After 2 days, apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the most painful area for 20 minutes whenever the pain flares up.
- Wrap hot water bottles or heating pads in a towel to avoid burns.
Sleep
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.
- If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to reduce stress on your lower back.
- Avoid sleeping on your abdomen.
- The mattress should be firm or reinforced with a board. Avoid waterbeds.
Activity
- Continue ordinary activities as much as your pain permits.
- Continued activity is more healing for the back than rest.
- Avoid any activities that significantly increase the pain.
- Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, and strenuous exercise until completely well. Note: complete bed rest is unnecessary.
Pain Medication
- For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 600 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug.
- Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Prevention
- The only way to prevent future backaches is to keep your back muscles in excellent physical condition.
- A sedentary lifestyle (lack of exercise) is a risk factor for developing back pain.
- Walking, stationary biking, and swimming provide good aerobic conditioning as well as exercise for your back.
- Being overweight puts more weight on the spine and thus increases the risk of back pain. If you are overweight, work with your doctor to develop a weight-loss program.
Good Body Mechanics
Lifting
- Stand close to the object to be lifted.
- Keep your back straight and lift by bending your legs.
- Ask for lifting help if needed.
Sleeping
Sleep on a firm mattress.
Sitting
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time without a break.
- Avoid slouching.
- Place a pillow or towel behind your lower back for support.
Posture
Maintain good posture.
Strengthening Exercises
- During the first couple days after an injury, strengthening exercises should be avoided.
- The following exercises can help strengthen the back. Perform the following exercises 3-10 times each day, for 5-10 seconds each time.
- Bent knee sit-ups: lay on back, curl forward lifting shoulders about 6 inches off the floor.
- Leg lifts: lay on back, alternate lifting one foot 6 inches off floor.
- Pelvic tilt: lay on back with knees bent, push lower back against floor.
- Chest lift: lie face down on ground, place arms by your sides, lift shoulders off the floor.
IF your symptoms become worse:
Review Should I Call? recommendations.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a
substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational
purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this
information.
Copyright 1994-2010 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.;
David A. Thompson, M.D., Self-Care Decisions LLC
Last Review Date: 10/1/2008