What is Acute non-specific low back pain?
Low back pain refers to pain in the area between your lowest ribs and your bottom. Acute means that the pain has started recently and non-specific refers to pain trigged from arthritis, infection or sciatica. This usually indicates that it may not be possible to find a specific area of pain. Imaging is not required to identify what is causing the pain or managing your condition.
What causes acute non-specific low back pain?
It is possible to experience lower
back pain if you have the following
factors:
- Depressive symptoms
- Lifting heavy loads
- Obesity
- Repeated lifting
- Smoking
Although these factors only increase your risk of low back pain slightly.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with acute non-specific low back
pain?
An Exercise Physiologist can help
with acute non-specific low back pain by
distinguishing what type of low back pain you have and ensuring that it isn’t
any other conditions that require further testing. Once you are diagnosed your
Exercise Physiologist can explain to you the following:
- How long your recovery will be
- What you can do about it
- How your Exercise Physiologist can help speed up recovery time. Including treatments such as hands-on therapy, education, exercises or a combination of these.
- What you can do at home which may include how to stay active, how to manage the pain at home and at work, and how to return to your normal activity levels
What can I do at home?
It is recommended that you stay
active, use heat and medications such as
ibuprofen to help reduce pain. It is highly discouraged that you lay in bed for
long period of time. You will be able to work during this time.
How long will my recovery be?
Generally, it takes about 2 weeks to have reduced pain from the lower back.
Your Exercise Physiologist may ask you to fill in a questionnaire to determine how long your recovery will be. You may use these tools to help you decide how to manage your back pain or discuss them with you Exercise Physiologist:
If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.