Low Back Pain: First Steps
Author: Dr. Rick Parisien, Chiropractor
Have you or anyone you know ever woke up with a bad case of low back pain and asked yourself what now… It probably doesn’t help that you’re receiving different recommendations of what to do from everyone you ask. You’d think for such a common disability worldwide that there would be clear recommendations from a credible source (such as the American College of Physicians) on how to handle your current dilemma. Well thankfully this does exists:
Firstly, stay calm. Don’t panic. It is highly unlikely anything serious has happened. Know you are going to be okay. Your body has all the right tools to take care of whatever tissues are inflamed or pain-causing. Avoid aggravating positions in the beginning and seek out some positions of relief, where you can take a break from the pain (they can be different for different types of back pain). Minds can wander to the worst things, so contact a health professional if you need some more REASSURANCE and guidance.
It is unlikely an emergency room visit is necessary and is actually shown in the latest guidelines to be a wasted resource (less than 1% of reported low back pain is related to a more serious issue). The key is to KEEP MOVING, try to avoid bed rest after the first 24 hours. The stats show, the faster you get back to doing your thing (even going to work), the quicker you’ll recover and the less likely you are to go on to have more chronic issues.
The latest guidelines recommend not to go for the pills as a first-step due to lack of effectiveness. If managing things on your own is not enough, the next line of recommendations emphasize physical and psychological therapies (including a visit to your friendly neighbourhood chiropractor) with the most prominent, effective therapy being EXERCISE as well as manipulation (Spinal Manipulative Therapy), massage and acupuncture.
EDUCATION on the right way to manage your brush with low back pain will be a game-changer. Thats what we’re here for. Give us a call at 506-632-9000 or feel free to book your appointment online at: https://stationstreethealth.janeapp.com/
[DISCLAIMER: This is not unique advice for your situation, always consult with a trusted health professional on your specific circumstance.]
References:
· Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of internal medicine. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-30.
· Edwards J, Hayden J, Asbridge M, Magee K. The prevalence of low back pain in the emergency department: a descriptive study set in the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2018 Dec;19(1):306.
· Schultz IZ, Crook J, Berkowitz J, Milner R, Meloche GR. Predicting return to work after low back injury using the Psychosocial Risk for Occupational Disability Instrument: a validation study. Journal of occupational rehabilitation. 2005 Sep 1;15(3):365-76.
