Low back pain may be caused by many things - repetitive movement, trauma, muscle spasm due to tension or stress, muscle strain due to weak abdominal and back muscles, poor posture, prolonged sitting/standing/stooping in the same position, muscle injury due to a sudden jerk or the improper lifting of a heavy object.
A combination or any of the following can help relieve the pain: Bed rest for 2-3 days; heat, using warm water bag, warm towel or topical liniments; or cold, using ice massage or compress for 15-20 minutes once or twice a day applied over the painful area; and low back exercises. Take a pain reliever to alleviate the ache and pain. Dr. Jose Alvin P. Mojica, a noted practitioner of Rehabilitation Medicine, would recommend the use of a new class of pain relievers called coxibs. Unlike other pain relievers, coxibs, like rofecoxib, spare the patient from experiencing gastro-intestinal problems like nausea, heartburn, stomach perforations, ulcers, and bleeding, which are common in the long term use of traditional NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, diclofenac, ketoprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc. . Coxibs (rofecoxib) or COX-2 inhibitors, provide fast and effective pain relief without causing damage to the patient’s stomach lining.
To avoid low back pain, change your position every 15 to 30 minutes if you have to sit, stand, or stoop for an extended period of time. It would be good to get up, move around, gently bend your body sideward, and rotate your neck to lessen the strain on your back muscles.
In some cases, the back pain may be an indication of a more serious condition like a slipped disk, fracture from a fall, kidney infection or cancer. If you feel persistent, progressively intensifying pain, a pain shooting down your leg, if you cannot straighten up after stooping down, or if your urine is bloodstained - see your doctor immediately. It is best to consult your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Never self medicate. Ask your doctor about the pain reliever best suited for your condition.
For comments and insights, please write to Pain Management Information Agency (PMIA) P.O. Box 3485 Makati, fax 892-3968 or e-mail at paincare@pmia.com.ph. PMIA was established primarily to increase public awareness and understanding of pain and to recommend appropriate medical and practical ways to manage and control pain.