Table of Contents

Introduction

Acute lower back pain is an extremely common complaint. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. This can be caused by a wide range of factors—from poor posture and obesity to arthritis and even kidney stones. If you have pain in your back, it’s important to get evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and create a treatment plan for you. More often than not, acute lower back pain will resolve on its own within a few days or weeks.

What is acute lower back pain?

Acute lower back pain can be a sudden and very painful condition that doesn’t last for more than 6 weeks. Acute lower back pain is sometimes caused by an injury, such as a fall or lifting something heavy without proper technique, but it can also occur in people who don’t have any conditions that cause long-term back problems.

Chronic lower back pain lasts for more than three months. It’s common for people with chronic lower back pain to have other health problems such as arthritis, diabetes or obesity.

How to recognize it.

  • Pain in your lower back is the main symptom of acute low back pain. The pain may be worse when you move or stand up, or when you bend over and straighten up again. It can also get worse when you walk or stand for a long time.
  • You may feel like you have to hold your breath while coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy.
  • You may feel constipated (having trouble having a bowel movement) or have vomiting or nausea that isn’t related to eating too much food (vomiting).

How to treat it.

The most important thing to remember about lower back pain is that it’s not a death sentence. If you’re experiencing acute lower back pain, there are several steps you can take to help treat your symptoms until they subside.

Acute LBP is best treated by resting the area and applying ice or heat depending on the severity of your symptoms (keep in mind that heat may cause swelling). Over-the-counter medication like Tylenol and ibuprofen can also be helpful if you experience severe discomfort.

If your pain persists for longer than three days, or if it becomes chronic, see a physician right away so they can determine whether there’s another underlying cause for your LBP—and provide treatment accordingly!

If you have pain in your back, it’s important to get evaluated by a health professional.

If you have pain in your back, it’s important to get evaluated by a health professional. The most common causes of lower back pain are muscle strains and sprains, which are usually treated with rest and medication (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen). If the pain lasts longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor.

A physiotherapist can show you how to use heat or ice packs on your lower back for temporary relief from symptoms such as stiffness and swelling. They may also recommend exercises to strengthen muscles that support the spine; staying active is often recommended for people with chronic lower back problems because exercise helps maintain flexibility and strength in the muscles around the spine.

When considering whether to take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), know that these can cause stomach irritation—and taking them regularly could put you at risk for kidney damage if taken long term

Conclusion

I hope this article has been useful in helping you understand how to recognize and treat acute lower back pain. If you’re experiencing any symptoms that may indicate an issue with your spine, consult a medical professional today so they can get you on the path to relief. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!