Back2Yourself

• Are you suffering from back pain?

  Some people describe back pain as the worse pain they have ever had. When you feel so much pain it is easy to believe something is really wrong with you. However, back pain is rarely a sign of a serious problem.

• When should I seek medical help for my back pain?
  - If you are 70 years or older with new back pain
  - If the pain does not go away, even at night or when lying down.
  - If you experience weakness in one or both legs, or have problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function. These symptoms should be evaluated as soon as possible.
  - If back pain is accompanied by unexplained fever or weight loss
  - If there is a history of cancer, a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, or if you have used corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) for a prolonged period of time
  - If the back pain is a result of falling or an accident, especially for people over 50 years old.
  - If the pain spreads into the lower leg. Particularly if the pain is accompanied by weakness of the leg.
  - If the back pain does not improve within four weeks.

  If none of the above apply to you, you can probably wait before seeking medical help.

• Do I need a surgery?

  The most likely answer is “no.” Only a small minority of patients suffering from low back pain require surgery. When you are in pain, it is easy to imagine that a "simple" surgery will take off the pain. However, spine surgery in is not simple at all. Surgery has risks of complications and the danger of making the back problem even worse.

  Even when a surgery is successful, you still need to recover, undergo rehabilitation and commit to a lifetime routine of back exercises to prevent recurrence. Perhaps most significantly, studies show that, for most cases of back pain, there is no significant difference in the one-year outcome with surgery or without.

  Surgery is often necessary if there is:

  - Evidence of problems with the nerves at the base of the spinal cord.
  - Specific back conditions like a tumor or infection.
  - Severe weakness due to spinal stenosis or compression of a nerve root.

• Do I need X-ray, CT or MRI?

  These technologies have not shown any measurable medical benefit for people suffering from pain for less than four weeks for two reasons:

  - The required treatment usually stays the same regardless of the specific back abnormalities found.
  - Abnormalities frequently do not explain the pain since many back abnormalities shown in these tests are also common in people who suffer no pain.

• So what canI do to feel better?

  - Be patient. Most people will start to feel better within one to four weeks.

  - Ease the pain with:
     - Heating pads can help with low back pain during the first few weeks. If cold packs help you, you can use them as well.
     - Over-the-counter pain medications, such as Ibuprofen, are usually all what you need. If medication is needed, it is usually more effective to take a dose on a regular basis for three to five days.

  - Stay active. Many people are afraid that they will hurt their back further by remaining active. However, studies have shown that people with low back pain recover faster when they remain active. Activities like walking or swimming can be particularly helpful. Back exercises or stretching routines should not be used immediately after a new episode of back pain, but are important as symptoms start to resolve.

• Why should I actively prevent recurrence?

  - Because back pain is so unpleasant and debilitating.
  - If you do nothing, recurrence is very likely.
  - You can not live on pain medication indefinitely:

  - Even OTC pain medications have side effects and can affect the stomach, the liver and other organs when taken day to day over a long period.
  - Prescribed pain medications can cause drowsiness and addiction.

  - Surgery is risky and unlikely to heal most back pain or prevent recurrence.

• What can I do to prevent recurrence?

  There is significant benefit from a program of exercises to increase back flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the back. It is also important to learn how to use your body correctly during everyday activities.

  Back2Yourself's video instructed back exercises program address back flexibility and muscles strength. Back2Yourself's core principals naturally assimilate into everyday activities.

Last updated: Aug 17th, 2009
Reviewed by Maayan Agamon, BPT, Aug 17th, 2009