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Low Back Pain

About Orthopaedic Surgery

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a very common occurrence for millions of Americans. In fact, nearly 80% of us will experience significant Low back pain during our lifetimes, and Low back pain is responsible for nearly half of all missed work days. Poor physical fitness, excess weight, anxiety, depression, smoking, and traits passed down from your parents. Low back pain can be caused by arthritic conditions of the joints, injury or aging of the disks, injury to the ligaments, weakness or injury to the muscles supporting the spine, or a combination of any or all of the above. Most often, episodes of Low back pain can be treated by rest and avoidance of aggravating activities in a matter of weeks.

How can I prevent the pain?
Exercising on a regular basis can help to keep you physically fit, and help to prevent injuries to your back. Exercises that strengthen the muscles of your back, and in particular those that strengthen your stomach muscles will help to relieve pressure on your low back. In addition, learning better ways to lift, bend, and avoiding twisting can prevent injuries. Combinations of bending and twisting should always be avoided.

What can be done to relieve the pain?
While avoiding bending, twisting, stooping, and excessive lifting is important during an episode of low Low back pain, it is very important to maintain some level of activity. This can usually be accomplished by walking on flat, even surfaces, or by walking in a warm-water pool. Resting in bed or lying on the couch for more than a couple of days can actually lead weakness of your muscles that makes your pain worse. Most people will find some relief by applying ice or heat to the painful area. You should limit the application of ice or heat to twenty or thirty minutes to prevent injury to the skin. Taking anti-inflammatory medication available over-the-counter from your local pharmacy can also be helpful in reducing both pain and swelling in the area. Be sure to read the label to make sure it will not interfere with other medicines you may be taking or that you have any medical history that could make it unsafe for you to be taking these types of medicines. If you are unsure, please contact your primary care physician before taking the medication. No medication is 100% effective in eliminating Low back pain, and tylenol or ibuprofen is often as effective as narcotic medication. In fact, narcotics can cause a variety of side effects and may actually reduce your body's ability to control pain.

When should I go see a doctor about my low back pain?
If your Low back pain does not go away after several days of the above treatments, you should consult your primary care physician so that he or she can determine if further work-up or treatment is required.
You should contact your physician if your pain goes down your legs, or if you are experiencing numbness, weakness, or tingling in your legs. If you are experiencing even a slight loss of bowel or bladder control, you should be evaluated immediately by your primary care physician or an emergency room physician.

NOTE: The information on this site is informational only and is not intended to be medical advice. NO ANSWERS TO MEDICAL QUESTIONS WILL BE GIVEN BY E-MAIL OR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE. Contact your physician for advice about specific medical conditions.

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