Tips on Pain Relief and Prevention of Low Back Pain

Causes of Lower Back Pain

The most common cause of low back pain is using your back muscles in activities you’re not used to, like lifting something heavy. Low back pain can be a result of a back injury from muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments, and joint problems (slipped disk). A slipped disk, often caused by twisting while lifting, happens when the disk between the bones bulges and presses on nerves.

Back pain may be made worse by:
• Stress
• Long periods of inactivity
• Being in an unusual position for a long time

Call your family doctor if:

• Pain goes down your leg below your knee
• Your leg, foot, groin or rectal area feels numb
• You have fever, nausea or vomiting, stomach-ache, weakness, or sweating
• You lose control over going to the bathroom
• Your pain was caused by an injury
• Your pain is so intense you can’t move around
• Your pain doesn’t seem to be getting better after two to three weeks.

What should I do when I’ve hurt my lower back?

The best position for relief when your back hurts is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees, with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair or just with your hips and knees bent. This takes the pressure and weight off your back. If you’re resting a hurt back, you may need a day or two of this sort of rest. Resting longer than this can cause your muscles to weaken, which can slow down your recovery. Even if it hurts, walk around for a few minutes every few hours.

If you’re resting a tired back, stay in one of these positions for five to 25 minutes at a time. Heating pads can help to relax painful muscle spasms. Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Ice packs and massages may also give relief.

Medicines that reduce pain or swelling include:

• ASA e.g. Aspirin, Entrophen
• Ibuprofen e.g. Advil, Medipren, Motrin IB
• Acetaminophen e.g. Panadol, Tylenol

Is there relief for ongoing back problems?

Treatment of ongoing back problems must be directed at the cause. This may mean:
• Losing weight – being overweight can make back pain worse
• Getting your muscles in better shape
• Improving your posture when you’re standing, sitting and sleeping
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are most effective in improving pain and function

Most people feel much better within a few weeks. Serious problems are rare.

Tips for preventing back strain:

• Don’t lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your hips and knees and then squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting
• Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects
• If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch
• Think about your posture
• Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels 2.5 cm (1 inch) or lower.

What’s the best position for standing?

The best position if you are standing for long periods:
• Rest one foot on a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back
• Every five to 15 minutes, switch the foot you’re resting on the stool
• Move around as much as you can
• Maintain good posture: keep your ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line, with your head up and your stomach pulled in

What’s the best way to sit?

Sitting puts more pressure on your back than any other position, even more than standing. To reduce this pressure:
• 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 your feet on
• Turn by moving your whole body rather than by twisting at your waist. Use a swivel chair to help reduce twisting
• When driving, sit straight and move the seat forward; this helps you not lean forward 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 a long time

What’s the best position for sleeping?

The best way to sleep to reduce the pressure on your back is:
• On your side with your knees bent
• Put a pillow under your head to support your neck
• You may also put a pillow between your knees
• 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, use a board of 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) plywood under the mattress to add support

Source: The College of Family Physicians of Canada: http://www.cfpc.ca/ProjectAssets/Templates/Resource.aspx?id=1398