What is low back pain?
Low back pain is a common problem for many people. Different things can cause it, including injuries and certain conditions. You can help prevent pain in your lower back by learning how to sit, stand, lift, and exercise correctly.
Symptoms
Low back pain varies by person. It may be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. It could be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). You may have pain in other parts of your body as well as your back.
Call your doctor if:
- Your pain goes down your leg below your knee
- Your leg, foot, groin, or rectum feel numb
- You have fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or weakness
- You have trouble going to the bathroom
- Your pain was caused by an injury
- Your pain is so intense that you can’t move around
- Your pain doesn’t improve or gets worse after 2 to 3 weeks
Low back pain causes
Injuries are a common cause of low back pain. Examples include a muscle strain or spasm, ligament sprain, joint problem, or a “slipped disk.” A slipped disk, or herniated disk, has to do with your spine. It occurs when a disk between the bones of your spine swells or bulges and presses on your nerves. Twisting while lifting often causes this. Many people who have a slipped disk do not know what caused it. Often, the exact cause of back pain may not be clear.
You may have pain in your lower back after doing an activity you aren’t used to, such as lifting heavy furniture or doing yard work. Sudden events, such as a fall or a car wreck, can cause back pain. You also may have pain from an injury to another part of your body.
Diagnosis
Visit your doctor if you have pain in your lower back. They will review your symptoms and health history and do a physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may perform tests. These include an X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tests may help to diagnose the cause but more often can help rule out other causes.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent or avoid low back pain. These include learning correct posture and strengthening your muscles.
What’s the best way to sit?
Sit in chairs with straight backs or low-back support. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips. Adjust the seat or use a low stool to prop up your feet. To turn in your chair, move your whole body rather than twist at your waist.
When driving, sit straight and move the seat forward. This helps you not have to lean to reach the controls. You may want to put a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back if you must drive or sit for a long time.
What’s the best position for standing?
Maintain good posture while you stand. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line, with your head up and your stomach pulled in. Try not to slouch or arch your back. These put added pressure on your lower back. Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide support. If you stand for long periods, rest 1 foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back. Every 5 to 15 minutes, switch the foot you’re resting on the stool.
What’s the best position for sleeping?
The best way to sleep is on your side with your knees bent. You may put a pillow under your head to support your neck. You also may put a pillow between your knees for added comfort. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back. Don’t sleep on your stomach unless you put a pillow under your hips.
Use a firm mattress. If your mattress is too soft, put a 1/2-inch plywood board under the mattress to add support.
What exercises can I do to strengthen my back?
Always stretch your back and body before you exercise. For a gentle stretch, lay on your back with your knees bent. Slowly raise your left knee to your chest and press your lower back into the floor. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat the exercise with your right knee. Do 10 of these exercises for each leg.
In addition to back exercises, it’s important to stay active in general. Swimming and walking are good exercises to improve your overall fitness.
Low back pain treatment
Most people who have pain in their lower back can treat it on their own. Often the pain goes away in a few days or weeks. You may need 1 to 2 days of rest for a hurt back. However, too much rest can cause your muscles to weaken. This can slow your recovery. Even if it hurts, try to walk around for a few minutes each hour. This helps keep your back muscles strong.
There are a few positions that provide relief when your back hurts. These help to take the pressure and weight off your back. Lay on your back on the floor:
- With pillows under your knees
- With your hips and knees bent
- With your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair
Heating pads can help to relax painful muscle spasms. Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Ice packs (use for less than 15 minutes every 30 minutes) and massages may give relief as well. Over-the-counter medicines can reduce pain and swelling. These include aspirin, acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol), naproxen (brand name: Aleve), and ibuprofen (brand names: Advil and Motrin).
People who have ongoing back problems need treatment to manage the cause. Being overweight can make back pain worse. If you are overweight, you may need to lose weight. You may need to exercise or improve your posture when you are sitting, standing, sleeping, or lifting.
Severe cases of lower back pain could require physical therapy or wearing a brace to support your back. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or injections for severe pain. These prescriptions can be addictive, so it’s best to seek other treatment methods, if available.
Living with low back pain
Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan for the pain in your lower back. It will depend on the cause of your pain and if it is acute or chronic. Once your pain has gone away, practice things to prevent future injury and pain.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the cause of the pain in my lower back?
- What’s the best way to relieve my pain?
- How can I prevent a low back injury?
- What kind of exercise should I do?
- Will improving my core strength help?
- Are there any other lifestyle changes I should make to avoid pain in my lower back?
- Will tests help to diagnose or change the treatment plan for my back pain?
Resources
American Academy of Family Physicians: Back Pain During Pregnancy
American Academy of Family Physicians: Lifting Safety: Tips to Help Prevent Back Injuries
American Academy of Family Physicians: Lower Back Pain
National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Low back pain – acute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Low Back Pain
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
