Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Back pain

Most people have low back pain at some time in their lives. Back pain is responsible for many lost workdays each year. Most acute back pain will go away by itself in a few days or weeks.

Back pain or injury can occur to anyone. It can be caused by stress on the muscles and ligaments that support the back. Jobs that require a lot of sitting or a lot of standing may contribute to back pain. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the back. Strenuous sports like football can injure the back.

The pain can be a mild discomfort that is just a mild ache in the lower back to severe pain that keeps the person from doing anything. Severe pain does not indicate a more serious cause of the pain.

Often, very little needs to be done for back pain to make it better. Many times it will go away without any treatment. Bed rest is not suggested any more, as staying in bed can make the back muscles weaker. If the pain is severe, no more than 1 to 2 days of rest may help. Sometimes, a healthcare provider will suggest using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for the pain. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. NSAIDs should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

A cloth-covered ice pack or heating pad on low may be put on the pack to help with the short-term discomfort. The heat or ice should be on the back no longer than 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. Doing some mild exercising like walking or swimming may help to relieve the discomfort too.

If there is still pain after resting the back for several days, if it is severe, or comes back, the healthcare provider should be seen. The provider should also be seen for anyone with pain that goes into the legs or if there is numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. If there is loss of control of the bowel or bladder, this is more serious, and the provider should be seen as soon as possible.

Back pain can be avoided. Prevention starts with exercise on a regular basis and maintaining a healthy weight. Lose excess weight by following appropriate habits of diet and exercise. Have a certified fitness trainer customize a workout plan for you.

Learn safe lifting techniques. Bend with the knees and keep the back straight. Choose recreational and exercise activities that help keep the back flexible without putting too much pressure on it. Always warm up and stretch before participating in any vigorous activities.

Since smoking is known to be a factor in back pain, it is wise to quit, if you smoke.

A healthcare provider or a physical therapist can suggest exercises that will help strengthen the back and make it more flexible.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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