Low Back Pain

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain in the low back (sharp or dull ache)
  • Pain increases with excessive sitting and/or standing
  • Muscle spasms and tightness
  • Increase in pain with certain movements (bending forward, twisting, etc.)
  • Usually associated with a loss of strength and function in the lower back and trunk secondary to pain

Injury Description:

  • Low back pain is one of the most common complaints that cause individuals to seek medical attention. One of the major causes of low back pain is muscle weakness in the low back and/or trunk. This weakness may lead to or be combined with poor postural habits associated with lifting, bending, or sitting, or an acute trauma. Either of these conditions may result in low back pain.
  • There are many injuries that can cause low back pain. Muscle strains and ligament sprains are two of the most common. These usually occur as a result of repeated overuse, or by a sudden overloading of these structures.

What can I do?

  • Rest is very important with back pain. Because of gravity the muscles of our back are at work anytime we are standing or sitting. The more that we can rest injured back muscles, the less stress and word the muscles will experience. The rest will help decrease the overall recovery time. Rest will also decrease pain associated with muscle spasms.
  • Ice packs (a bag of frozen peas works great) applied for 10 to 15 minutes at 45 to 60 minute intervals in the first 48 to 72 hours following the injury will decrease the muscle spasms and pain.
  • Heat can be applied after the first 48 to 72 hours. This increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles. Heat should be applied in the same fashion as the ice packs.
  • Strengthening the muscles of the lower back and trunk.
  • If symptoms persist or if there is radiating pain into the buttock and/or legs consult your physician.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
 
For more information about low back pain check out this link:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00311

Click Here to learn stretches and exercises for your low back. You can find
other helpful exercises in Torso Exercises and Balance/Core Exercises.

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Alpine, UT 84004
801-756-7061

ORROCK & MENDENHALL SPORTS MEDICINE & PHYSICAL THERAPY