The Lowdown on Back Pain
Low back pain is a good news, bad news kind of health problem. The good news is that
most back pain goes away on its own after a limited period of time. After coming on
suddenly, acute back pain lasts from a few days to an average of 6 weeks. By 3 months
after an episode of back pain, 90 percent of afflicted people have returned to normal.
The bad news is that back pain tends to come back. Repeat episodes of back pain are
problematic for some people, contributing to discomfort and lost workdays. And
recurrent or persistent back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability
in the United States.
Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, doing exercises to strengthen core muscles and learning how to lift objects
safely can often help prevent back pain. And researchers are analyzing new drug treatments
and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care to determine the most
effective means to relieve back pain.
Surgery is not among the top-rated treatments. Despite the high frequency of back surgery
in this country, studies indicate that only a small number of people benefit from surgical
treatment for low back pain.
What’s Most Important?
Overall, the most important step for back health you can make is to stay as physically active
as possible. Activities that don’t involve bending or twisting like walking, biking or
swimming are usually best for the back; of course, first get your provider’s okay.
Also take a look at the sensible steps for preventing and reducing back pain that we’ve
put together for you in this supplement.
— Elizabeth Smoots, MD, FAAFP
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
If you’re suffering from back pain and have the following symptoms, contact your
health care provider without delay as the symptoms could signal a more serious condition.
-
You have severe back pain that doesn’t improve after three days or gets progressively worse.
- You have numbness or weakness in one or both legs or feet.
- You have difficulty walking, standing or moving
- Pain results from a fall or a blow to your back.
- You feel numb in the groin or rectal area.
- You can’t control your bowels or bladder.
- Burning occurs or you have difficulty with urination.
-
Pain is accompanied by fever, chills, sweating, nausea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or
other signs of illness.