Don’t Let Lower Back Pain Get You Down

The lower back is the most common site for back pain and injury. This area is in constant motion from daily activity, including bending, stooping, sitting, and lifting. Stretched or strained muscles and ligaments that support your spine are usually the source of the problem.

As Ramil Bhatnagar, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, explains, "The pain can range from dull and annoying to sharp and excruciating. Arthritis or a herniated disc in your spine also can cause low back pain. This often pinches a nerve, causing tingling down the buttocks and legs."

Conquering The Pain
Low back pain caused by strained muscles usually subsides in a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the strain. You can take charge of your recovery by following these measures:

• If you have swelling, apply an ice pack to your low back for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat every two hours as needed.



• If you have no swelling, or after swelling subsides, apply a heating pad to your lower back for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat every two hours as needed.



• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

• If pain is manageable, keep moving. Although a short period of rest — one to two days — may help ease minor pain, long periods of rest actually hamper recovery by weakening muscles.

When To Seek Help
If your lower back still hurts after following these self-care measures for three to four days, call your doctor.

Dr. Bhatnagar recommends that you notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakening in your arms or legs



• bowel or bladder problems



• fever or vomiting.

"There are many options for treating lower back pain, and an orthopedic surgeon can assess and work with you on medical and surgical treatment options," concludes Dr. Bhatnagar.