If you’re experiencing your first really bad backache, you’re probably panicking a little about the pain and its implications — what if it’s cancer? What if it never goes away? My first piece of advice is, relax. Low back pain is very common, and 95% of the time, it’s neither permanent nor serious. Following are 10 essential things to know about dealing with a bad back.
Top 10 Tips for Treating Back Pain
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If you know it's going to hurt to try to move that refrigerator right now, don't do it. Your pain will not lessen or recede any faster if you ignore it and fight your way through. Forcing yourself to bend, twist or lift makes things worse. Take it easy when your back hurts. Sit or sleep in the most comfortable position you can find. In most cases this means lying on your back with three or more pillows under your legs so that the hips and knees are both flexed 80 to 90 degrees. Walking can be pretty painful early on, so avoid it at first. As the pain subsides and you straighten, going for a walk — with nothing in your hands, feet pointing straight, head up — is usually beneficial. Listen for danger signals from your body as well. Electrical pains radiating down your legs; numbness or weakness in the lower extremities or crotch; or any loss of bowel or bladder control mean its time to seek out a doctor. If so, skip ahead to Tip No. 5, and make the phone call. Next: Start With the Basics
