Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common—and inconvenient—problem. Fortunately, it often goes away within a few weeks. These tips can ease your pain and speed the healing process:

• Try to get back to your normal activities as soon as you can. Too much rest can make your muscles weak. Walking and other light activity may help with your recovery.
• Lie on your back while sleeping. Put a pillow under your knees and lower back for support. Or lie on your side with a pillow between your knees.
• Apply ice packs to help with pain and reduce swelling. After 48 hours, use a heating pad to relax your muscles and increase blood flow.
• Do low-impact exercises that strengthen your lower back and stomach muscles. Start as soon as you can. Try walking, swimming, and biking.

Most back pain gets better without treatment. Medication should not be your first step, but talk to your PCP (Primary Care Provider) if other options don’t ease your pain. They may have you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen.

If you still experience pain after trying all of the other options, talk to your doctor about next steps. They may recommend imaging studies, like x-rays, MRI, or CT scans.