About Acute Low Back Pain
Acute low back pain typically develops after a strenuous or jarring event, but may also present without any clearly related activity. An acute episode lasts for up to six weeks in patients without a history of complaints to the affected region, and symptoms can vary significantly between patients. The pain can be diffuse or focal and can feel like burning, a sharp discomfort, or a dull ache. The onset may be sudden but can also develop over a more extended period and may fluctuate in severity. Some cases will resolve spontaneously without additional care, but others require corrective procedures to restore function and alleviate discomfort.
Lower back pain is an exceedingly common complaint and will affect an estimated 80% of adults significantly at least once in their lifetime. A plethora of remedies exists of varying efficacy, but advanced understandings of underlying mechanics have revolutionized modern management. In most cases, conservative options will be adequate to restore comfort and promote healing. It will take about two weeks to completely recover in about 50% of cases, and 80% resolve by week six. Unfortunately, as much as 30% of cases will go on to become chronic in nature.
powered by
About Acute Low Back Pain
Acute low back pain typically develops after a strenuous or jarring event, but may also present without any clearly related activity. An acute episode lasts for up to six weeks in patients without a history of complaints to the affected region, and symptoms can vary significantly between patients.
The pain can be diffuse or focal and can feel like burning, a sharp discomfort, or a dull ache. The onset may be sudden but can also develop over a more extended period and may fluctuate in severity. Some cases will resolve spontaneously without additional care, but others require corrective procedures to restore function and alleviate discomfort.
powered by
Lower back pain is an exceedingly common complaint and will affect an estimated 80% of adults significantly at least once in their lifetime. A plethora of remedies exists of varying efficacy, but advanced understandings of underlying mechanics have revolutionized modern management.
In most cases, conservative options will be adequate to restore comfort and promote healing. It will take about two weeks to completely recover in about 50% of cases, and 80% resolve by week six. Unfortunately, as much as 30% of cases will go on to become chronic in nature.
PAIN THAT COMES AND GOES
LOW BACK PAIN IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH RADIATING LEG PAIN
PAIN MAY PRESENT AS A DULL, SHARP, PIERCING, OR BURNING SENSATION
PAIN MAY STAY IN ONE PLACE OR RADIATE TO OTHER AREAS, SUCH AS THE FRONT, SIDES, BACK, AND LEGS
Is acute low back pain dangerous?
Generally, most processes involved in acute cases are benign, however, rarely an underlying pathology may be involved. These cases are prone to occur in individuals over the age of 50, and may include cancer or infectious etiologies. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, severe pain at rest, severe pain in the legs, bladder or bowel problems, or pain lasting more than six weeks, among others. In these situations, medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
Is acute low back pain dangerous?
Generally, most processes involved in acute cases are benign, however, rarely an underlying pathology may be involved. These cases are prone to occur in individuals over the age of 50, and may include cancer or infectious etiologies. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, severe pain at rest, severe pain in the legs, bladder or bowel problems, or pain lasting more than six weeks, among others. In these situations, medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
How is acute low back pain managed?
Management of low back pain usually involves continuing with normal daily activities, though modifications are sometimes required to minimize pain or exacerbation of injury. The temptation is often to limit entirely usage of the painful structures, but this can lead to maladaptive behaviors, and will slow the healing process. Movement pumps blood flow over injured regions, and supports them with crucial healing factors. Pain can also be further managed with NSAIDs or other pain relievers, and warm or cold compresses.
For acute and sometimes chronic pain primarily in the back or neck it’s very reasonable to seek care from one of our spine physical therapists. For many insurances, referrals are not required. Dr. Paul’s team works closely with the therapists. They often facilitate referrals to Dr. Paul and his spine surgery partners.
How is acute low back pain managed?
Management of low back pain usually involves continuing with normal daily activities, though modifications are sometimes required to minimize pain or exacerbation of injury. The temptation is often to limit entirely usage of the painful structures, but this can lead to maladaptive behaviors, and will slow the healing process. Movement pumps blood flow over injured regions, and supports them with crucial healing factors. Pain can also be further managed with NSAIDs or other pain relievers, and warm or cold compresses.
For acute and sometimes chronic pain primarily in the back or neck it’s very reasonable to seek care from one of our spine physical therapists. For many insurances, referrals are not required. Dr. Paul’s team works closely with the therapists. They often facilitate referrals to Dr. Paul and his spine surgery partners.
About Physical Therapy
For acute and sometimes chronic pain primarily in the back or neck it’s very reasonable to seek care from one of our spine physical therapists. For many insurances, referrals are not required. Dr. Paul’s team works closely with the therapists. They often facilitate referrals to Dr. Paul and his spine surgery partners.
How is acute low back pain diagnosed?
The diagnostic modality of choice is x-ray imaging to give the physician a full view of the back structures, though in many cases imaging is not even required. A doctor can usually make the diagnosis with only the physical examination and patient history, but in some cases further diagnostics will be ordered to exclude more concerning possibilities. The primary goal of treatment acute low back pain is recognized is to resolve the episode as quickly as possible and return the patient to prior functioning.
How is acute low back pain diagnosed?
The diagnostic modality of choice is x-ray imaging to give the physician a full view of the back structures, though in many cases imaging is not even required. A doctor can usually make the diagnosis with only the physical examination and patient history, but in some cases further diagnostics will be ordered to exclude more concerning possibilities. The primary goal of treatment acute low back pain is recognized is to resolve the episode as quickly as possible and return the patient to prior functioning.
Educational Support Powered By
Disclosures & Important Information
Disclaimer
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Dr. Paul makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Dr. Paul does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web site. DR. PAUL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. www.paulspine.com/legal/disclaimer.
Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics and/or surgeon experience.
All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
©2024 Ronjon Paul MD. All rights reserved.
Disclosures & Important Information
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. Dr. Paul makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.
Dr. Paul does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web site. DR. PAUL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS WEB SITE. www.paulspine.com/legal/disclaimer.
Individuals’ outcomes may depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to patient characteristics, disease characteristics and/or surgeon experience.
All logos and names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
©2024 Ronjon Paul MD. All rights reserved.