Acute Lower Back Pain

Acute lower back pain is a common medical problem. Acute pain is pain that has been present less than 4 to 6 weeks. It precisely means the source of the pain may be in the spinal joints, discs, vertebrae, or soft tissues. Acute lower back pain may also be called acute low back pain, lumbago, idiopathic low back pain, lumbosacral strain or sprain, or lumbar syndrome.

What causes mechanical back pain?

A precise anatomic cause of mechanical back pain can be identified only 20 percent of the time. Sometimes, a specific trauma or strenuous activity may cause the pain. However, 80 percent of the time, the specific source of the pain is not found. Fortunately, most persons recover in a relatively short period of time with simple treatment.

Mechanical back pain implies the source of pain is in the spine and/or its supporting structure. The surrounding muscles and ligaments may develop reactive spasm and pain.

What are the symptoms of mechanical back pain?

Most people with mechanical back pain experience pain primarily in the lower back. The pain may radiate (spread) to the buttocks and thighs. Many people may also experience spasms with mechanical back pain. The symptoms of mechanical back pain are generally more noticeable with flexion of the back and when lifting heavy objects.

How is back pain diagnosed?

A careful evaluation of your medical history and a physical examination will help your health care provider determine if you have mechanical back pain. He or she will then work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan.

If your healthcare provider has determined your back pain is mechanical, additional testing is not usually necessary. If your symptoms or the examination suggest the possibility of infection, malignancy, or a pinched nerve, additional tests may be necessary. Additional testing may include blood tests, x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or nerve conduction studies.

How is back pain treated?

Non-surgical treatment with limited rest and over the counter pain relievers is sufficient treatment for most patients. In some persons, a supervised physical therapy program for persistent mechanical pain may be recommended. Talk to your doctor to see which treatment is right for you.

Bed rest: Short-term bed rest may be recommended for a few patients with severe back pain and muscle spasms. Bed rest for more than 48 hours is rarely recommended.

Physical activity: In some cases, doctors recommend early physical activity to promote rapid recovery from back pain. For moderate to mild back pain, some patients are encouraged to maintain a near-normal schedule from the onset.

Ice and heat application: Applying heat and ice alternately to the back is helpful to relax the muscles and decrease muscle inflammation. In general, people are encouraged to apply heat for 20 minutes, and then to, apply ice for 20 minutes. If you find that one application is more helpful than the other, then use only that application. Generally, heat and/or ice should be applied two to three times per day.

Medications: If there is a muscle spasm, a muscle relaxant may be prescribed for a short time (three to four days). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are available without a prescription and may be used to reduce pain. Stronger prescription pain relievers are rarely required.

Physical therapy: In a few cases, physical therapy may be an essential part of acute back pain rehabilitation. It is important that you work with a physical therapist trained in the exercise approach to promote rapid healing. Active physical therapy can help shorten recovery time and return you to work and leisure activities as quickly as possible. Active physical therapy is an exercise program that may require home exercises as frequently as every two hours while you are awake. The exercises generally take about five minutes to do and do not require special equipment, nor do you need to go to a gym to do them.

When can I return to work?

We usually recommend that you return to work promptly. If you cannot do your regular job initially, it is in your best interest to return to some kind of modified duty (light or restricted duty). Your healthcare provider can give you a prescription for a limited period of modified work duty.

It is very common to be afraid to promptly return to work and other activities because of fear of re-injury. However, if you are receiving proper treatment, your risk of re-injury should be limited. It is in your best interest to return to a normal lifestyle promptly. Early mobility has been found to directly result in a more rapid recovery. Maintaining a positive mental attitude is also imperative to a quick recovery.

What is the outlook for people with back pain?

The prognosis for complete recovery is excellent. Most people with acute lower back pain respond very rapidly to treatment.

About 90 percent of people with acute low back pain are symptom-free in one to two weeks. Many of the remaining estimated 10 percent recover within three months.

Recurrences of back pain are common. Continuing your home exercise program may help reduce your risk of another episode.