In case of sudden back pain, what should you do, rest or move?

Author Gabriella Nagy | 2020.06.01.

First, how “serious” should we take acute low back pain?

Acute back pain indicates a complaint in the lower back of no more than 6 weeks duration. The severity is relative: acute pain can be mild or very severe, it varies from person to person. The most common cause of pain is physical exertion, but it is important to know that there may be other problems behind the pain. To find out if this is the case, it is recommended that orthopaedic or rheumatologist specialist if the lower back pain persists after 6 weeks, or if it gets worse, or if the pain persists at rest, even at night. Acute low back pain can be managed with targeted treatment. An important element of this is movement therapy, which can avoid surgery even in the case of disc herniation.

In rarer cases, lower back pain can be a symptom of a more serious musculoskeletal problem, such as a fracture, infection or tumour. Very severe, unremitting lower back pain, weakness/paralysis in the lower limbs, or difficulty controlling the bladder and bowels (incontinence) require immediate medical intervention!

What to do in case of a sudden waist complaint?

The first step is to unload the spine, but this does not necessarily mean lying down and resting. Movement can and should be continued, but carefully and cautiously. For example, bending and lifting are not recommended, but the usual activities of daily living can be resumed, as long as the pain allows it.

It is exercise that maintains normal circulation and nutrient transport, which can reduce inflammation and reduce muscle tension. Many people with lower back complaints feel that they can continue their normal daily routine and exercise programme with a little more caution, and even feel better and have less pain as a result of exercise. However, activities that are too strenuous or difficult to control are not recommended while acute pain persists. Whatever the movement, it is important that the back pain does not increase.

What treatments can be effective for acute low back pain?

The primary treatment is to relieve pain focus: usually the application of some kind of muscle-relaxing ointment, possibly a pain-relieving patch. However, these are only symptomatic treatments, they do not solve the cause of the pain or the muscle tension that has been caused by it.

Temporary solutions can be provided by physiotherapy different types of treatment, ultrasound, electrostimulation, traction, mobilisation However, a long-term solution can only be when used in combination with movement therapy. From acute back pain, - if the daily activity can be done, - physiotherapy, best treated with targeted exercises. The focus should be on strengthening core muscles, and it is also important to maintain mobility and increase endurance. In this way, the risk of recurrence can be significantly reduced, while achieving symptom relief.

If the pain increases, and therefore reduced activity, restricted movements, or if the body tries to keep a sparing posture, or if there is a persistent/recurrent waist complaint, then worth orthopaedic or consult a specialist rheumatologist. Depending on the extent of the problem, your specialist may recommend X-rays or MRI scan, you may be given medication, injections or, in more serious cases, an infusion.