Patient Education: Adult Low Back Pain

How to properly focus on low back pain?

Everyone has low back pain, so please don’t worry too much. Low back pain can be scary, but even severe low back pain usually resolves on its own within a few weeks, rarely requiring emergency treatment or surgery.

If you have low back pain in the following situations, seek medical attention:

●Recent fall or back injury

● Numbness or weakness in the legs

● Problems with bladder control

Unexplained weight loss

• Fever or other discomfort

• Frequent use of steroids, such as prednisone

Diabetes or diseases or medications that reduce immunity

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●History of cancer or osteoporosis

if any of the following If you have any symptoms, please also see a doctor:

Low back pain is too severe to handle simple tasks

No improvement in low back pain within 4 weeks

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Back compositionincludes:

●Keep movingBeing active can help with low back pain relief, so it’s best to do as much activity as possible. In severe cases, 1-2 days of rest may be required, but walking and activities must be resumed as soon as possible. Although you should not lift heavy objects and participate in sports when you have low back pain, you should try to engage in daily activities as much as possible.

Hot compresses can sometimes help relieve pain, but the temperature should not be too high , to avoid burns.

Medication – You can try over-the-counter pain relievers first. Doctors often recommend trying nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs first, such as ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Merrill) and naproxen (brand name: Aleve), which may be more effective than acetaminophen (brand name: Aleve). : Tylenol).

If over-the-counter medicines do not work, please inform your healthcare provider. Doctors sometimes prescribe muscle relaxants. However, older adults can cause side effects such as difficulty urinating or confusion, so it is usually not used in people over 65.

Symptomatic treatment – ​​some treatments may temporarily relieve symptoms, such as:

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• Spinal manipulation – by professionals such as physical therapists or chiropractors to move or “comb” back joints, if you want to try it, please consult your doctor first personnel.

• Acupuncture Treatment – ​​Acupuncture is performed by a TCM physician to block pain signals.

• Massage.

Although low back pain usually disappears within a few weeks, it sometimes lasts for a long time. Treatment:

●Self-Treatment – ​​Asks you to recognize your pain. While you should rest as needed, be sure to move as much as possible. Warm compresses and gentle stretching can also relieve pain.

Physical therapy – a physical therapist will teach you how to strengthen your muscles through stretching and activities, which can also relieve pain and help restore normal activities.

You can try walking, swimming or riding an exercise bike. Tai Chi and yoga may also relieve low back pain. activities to help you persevere.

Stress Reduction – Some people find “mindfulness stress reduction” useful meditation. If you feel anxious or depressed, tell your healthcare provider and they will deal with it accordingly.

Some people wonder if injectables can relieve low back pain. Doctors may sometimes recommend injections to numb the painful area or reduce swelling, but only in select cases.

Low back pain rarely requires surgery.

How to prevent low back pain recurrence?

The best way is to move as much as possible, and exercises that strengthen and stretch your lower back are beneficial.

You can also try:

●Learn to lift with your legs instead of your back

●Avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position

Low back pain can be frustrating and worrying, but the above measures can reduce risk of recurrence, so there is no need to worry too much.

References:

UpToDate .

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