How to Manage Acute Back Pain

The most common muscular skeletal disorders involving the low back are muscular ligaments, muscle and tendons. Human studies have shown low back pain, regardless of severity will account for more sick leave and disability than any other single medical condition. Nearly 80% of adults will experience back pain some time in their lives. Through time the discs begin to loss elasticity and is indicative of an acute low back event with a rapid onset and short course of pain. This pain center may not be triggered again for years [“a weak point once an event has occurred”]. Overstretching of the muscles during work can become overstretched and torn, resulting in localized pain, stiffness, and inflammation, also bruising around the muscle. A Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) [muscle-tendon relationship] is a result of overuse on the body due to some short/long term repetitive activity, e.g., shoveling, raking, running, picking up items, etc. Poor posture puts force and strain on the lower back, “focus on proper back posture!”

  Acute low back pain touches almost every American at some point in their life. Low back medical conditions and diseases we are most familiar with: Degenerative discs (wear & tear on the discs between vertebraes), herniated discs, (swollen, and irritated “overblown” discs between the vertebrae), spinal stenosis (narrowing of vertebrae canal presenting sciatica pain & numbness down the legs, etc.). These conditions share a relationship with acute back pain. Continued aggravation of the pain center can create long lasting bouts of recurrent episodes where the damage typically is permanent and chronic. A chronic low back condition typically involves overstretched, or torn ligaments and, or misalignment of posture brought about by a sudden impact, such as a car accident, fall, or long term RSI, or CTD activities. If your acute low back pain condition appears more frequent and severe lately…. “Pay Attention!” The acute to chronic crossover condition has longer recuperative periods and if the low back ligaments are stretched, or worse, become torn, surgical procedures “may likely” be necessary to limit long-term immobilization and pain. “Don’t Go There!” Read the following Recommends: Also visit our Site Pain Store for product use ideals.

Recommendations: · 1) If acute low back pain occurs, use ice no more then 20 minutes every 2 hours (to reduce swelling) and take medications as prescribed. 2) Maintain Ideal Body Wt (“IBW” see our site Fitness calculator-to determine your IBW). 3) Exercise (e.g., biking, walking, not less then 3/week @ 20-30min/day). 4) Proper nutrition (reduce fats in your diet and total calorie consumption/day). 5) Quality foot inserts (“Posture Control Insoles at our “Pain Store”). · 1) If acute back pain becomes “Intolerable” long-term chronic pain [consult your physician]. 2) “Tens Therapy” electro muscular-stimulation at our site “Pain Store,” can provide significant relief. 3) Do you need surgery? Ask your doctor about Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). This technology may provide new hope for you. Web search for more [Tens, Pain & SCS]. Reports show: 84% of SCS recipient’s quality of life improved significantly. (Neuromodulation. 2001 Apr;4(2):59-66). 4) Acclaimed success for acute to chronic back pain conditions: Acupuncture – “May also reduce chances of chronic back pain from occurring.” (Patel M, Gutzwiller f, Paccaud F, Marazzi A., Inter J Epidern 1989;18:900-906).

 Author: Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET. 2008 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for FREE Monthly eNewsletter.