Acute Back pain

Back Pain Advice 

Back pain is very common and in the majority of cases is not caused by any serious condition. It is often not possible to identify a specific cause for back pain. 

The Majority of back pain cases settle quickly but can be very painful initially. This may require modification of your normal activities for a couple of days. Resting longer than this does not help and may do more harm than good. It is important to keep moving, the sooner you get back to normal activities the sooner your back will start to feel better. 

Sciatica 

Back pain may sometimes be accompanied with a pain that travels down the buttock into the leg. This is called sciatica and is usually caused by a slipped disc irritating a nearby 

nerve. 

Patients with sciatica may also notice areas of numbness or a pins and needles sensation in the affected leg. They may notice weakness of certain muscles in their leg. 

Sciatica will usually improve over 8-10 weeks and does not require an urgent MRI or x-ray at this stage. 

How can I help myself? 

• Stay active-regular exercise can help to 

• keep your back strong. 

• If you have to go to bed, try to start moving again after 2 days and gradually increase your activity day by day. This can cause discomfort for a short time and is to be expected but it is important to keep trying. 

• Try exercises and stretches for back pain in this leaflet. 

• Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to help manage this pain. Don't wait until the pain becomes out of control before you take them. 

• Use heat (hot water bottle / wheat bag) or cold (bag of frozen peas wrapped in a wet towel) to give short term relief. This is in addition to your medication. 

• Do not stay in one position for longer than 20 to 30 minutes. It is important to keep moving around. Prolonged sitting, especially in a low soft armchair can make the pain worse. 

When should I make an appointment with my GP? 

If symptoms have not improved after 4 weeks please make a non-urgent appointment with your GP or Nurse Prescriber. 

In addition if you notice non-intentional weight loss or back pain which is worse at night you should make an appointment with your GP. 

When should I return to the Emergency Department? 

If any of the following occur in the context of back pain then you should return immediately to The Emergency Department at the Victoria Hospital for review to exclude serious spinal condition: 

• Numbness or tingling around your genitals/ buttocks or back passage. 

• Difficulty passing or controlling urine Loss of bladder or bowel control 

• Weakness or numbness of both legs 

• Fever of 38°C or more 

Exercises for the back 

The aim of these exercises is to help you move normally and safely. 

How many times and how often? 

• Start with 5 to 10 repetitions of each exercise. 

• Add one or two repetitions more every few days or as pain allows. 

• Try to exercise about 3 times a day. 

• Be guided by your pain. 

Stop these exercises if you feel they are: 

• Making your symptoms steadily worse over time. They may be slightly uncomfortable at first. 

• Bringing on new pain.