Back pain: Now what?

You've injured your back, it's the weekend and you can't see the doc until Monday; what do you do?

Back pain is no stranger to you, it's happened before. You know there are some things you can do to ease the pain until you can see your doctor.

What to do:

The best way to bring immediate relief is to lie on the floor with pillows under your knees and your hips and knees bent and your legs on a chair. Another position is to lie on the floor with pillows under your knees and hips bent. These two positions relieve back pain, because they take the pressure and the weight off of your back. It may take two days of resting in either of these positions before you back can heal. Just be sure to get up and walk around once an hour, for just a few moments just so your muscles don't get weak from lack of exercise.

Back Spasms:

If you are experiencing back spasms, heating pads can bring some relief as they relax the muscles. Use heating pad for the first 20 to 30 minutes, then repeat as necessary but for no longer than 30 minutes at any one time. You can also try ice packs (always have thin cloth between your skin and the pack). Another pain remedy is to use gentle massage.

You can use nonprescription medications that you can purchase in drug stores and grocery stores to help bring some pain relief. Medicines that help relieve back pain are: aspirin (do not use for children or teens), acetaminophen (Tylenol is one brand name), naproxen (Aleve is one brand name). ketoprofen (one brand name is Orudis), and ibuprofen (one brand name is Motrin).

When do you need to call the doctor?

Pain travels from your back and down your leg to below your knee.

You experience numbness in your leg, foot, groin or rectal area.

There is fever present, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, or you experience sweating or weakness.

You lose bladder or bowel control

The back pain you are experiencing was caused by an injury

The pain prevents you from moving around it is so intense.

You use home remedy and the back pain does not improve within 2 to 3 weeks.

Is there hope for chronic back pain?

In order to get at the root of chronic back pain, you must find the reason for the pain. There are issues that can aggravate back pain: weight gain, repetitive motions, and/or lifting heavy items on a regular basis.

You can also make plans to get your muscles in shape by exercising. You can pay attention to proper posture when sitting, standing and sleeping. Yes, sleeping positions can have a bearing on the presence or not of back pain. Having a proper mattress and not an old worn out one can also make a big difference for chronic back sufferers.

How to prevent back pain:

Make sure you know the proper way to lift an object, especially a heavy one: lift by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight the entire lift and hold the object close to your body. You should also try to avoid twisting your body while you are lifting the object. Never lift an object by bending over, picking it up and then straightening up.

If you must move really heavy objects, push rather than pull them.

It is not good for you back to be sitting for long periods of time either at your desk or sitting wile driving. Break up the time into several rest breaks and get up and stretch and walk around for a bit.

Women should wear heels that are 1" or lower to avoid backache.

Exercise on a regular basis because a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the occurrence of lower back pain.