What to Do When Acute Back Pain Occurs
When sharp pain arises in the back, whether localized or radiating to another area, it is crucial to consult a doctor. Acute back pain is not always due to hernias or osteochondrosis; other conditions, such as lung diseases, heart disease, or a myocardial infarction, must be ruled out. Only a specialist can make this determination. Treatment should only begin after a diagnosis has been made confirming an intervertebral hernia and after the acute episode has subsided.
Here are some guidelines that can help in a difficult situation:
- Lie Down Immediately
When acute back pain occurs, lie down in bed. Your own body weight is a significant load on your spine. The bed should not be too soft. When experiencing sharp pain, it’s best to lie on a firm surface. - Adopt a Special Position to Reduce Tension on Nerve Roots
To reduce pain, lie on your back with your legs elevated by placing a pillow or blanket under them. This helps relax the large muscles of the spine. Alternatively, you can lie on your stomach with a pillow under your abdomen, which straightens the lumbar spine and relieves pain. If the pain decreases or completely disappears, it means the position was correctly chosen. - Limit Movements That Cause Pain
It’s important to restrict movements that worsen the pain. Use a back support brace: for cervical pain, use a Shantz collar; for lumbar pain, use a lumbar corset. There are also special types of “Sheno” corsets that are custom-made to your body shape and help reduce the load on your back muscles. - Learn How to Get Up and Sit Without Pain
To avoid aggravating the pain, carefully lower your legs to the floor, then push yourself up with your hands, sitting as close to the edge of the bed as possible. When standing, do not bend your upper body forward excessively. - Stay Calm and Overcome the Fear of Pain
Try to calm yourself and avoid stressing over the pain, your health, or unfinished tasks. A calm person can think more clearly, does not succumb to additional stress, and recovers more quickly. - Learn to Assess Your Condition Objectively
Pay attention to the speed of symptom changes. The doctor will ask you about the character of the pain, its intensity, duration, and its relationship to movement. During treatment, you should also monitor changes in your condition so the doctor can assess whether the prescribed course of treatment is effective. - Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations Carefully
Follow all of the doctor’s advice meticulously, without skipping any steps. If you don’t trust your doctor, it’s better to find another one. However, if you do trust them, make sure to follow their instructions exactly. - Ensure a Full Night’s Rest
Proper rest is crucial. If sharp pain is present, include soothing and light sleeping aids in your treatment regimen to improve the quality of your sleep.
By following these guidelines, you can help manage acute back pain more effectively and ensure better recovery outcomes.
