Treatment Plan

Here are some tips to help you when recovering from back pain. Do whatever helps you feel better. Most people find that rest is best for them. Talk with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Rest

Bed rest is not required for recovery. If bed rest offers significant pain relief, it is fine. But don't stay in bed for more than two days. Get up and return to normal activities as pain allows. Staying in bed too long can weaken your back and de-condition you overall.

Avoid heavy lifting or activities that stress your spine.

Avoid bending forward at the waist, and bend with your knees. In particular, avoid bending and twisting.

Pain relief

If possible, apply ice then heat - in that order. Ice helps soothe the pain and calm the muscle spasms. Try to do this immediately after you hurt your back. Keep the ice wrapped in a towel. Be sure to wait for any muscle spasms to stop before applying heat, which will help loosen tight muscles. Alternate between the two, using cold for 20 minutes and heat for 20 minutes. A hot bath can also help.

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can help relieve pain.

Exercise

Avoid exercises for two to three days.

Learn about specific back exercises for you to perform at home. These can begin within three days. (You can find exercises under the "Prevention" tab.)

Start a controlled aerobic exercise program such as walking or biking within one to two weeks.

Other therapies may include:

Electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles of your back. This relieves back pain from muscle spasms and strains. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a type of electrical stimulation that can help with pain from sciatica, or a "pinched nerve." Small electrodes are put on the skin near the pain to deliver relief.

Physical therapy and exercise. A physical therapist massages your back's tissues to reduce pain. When you start feeling better, you learn how to do proper exercises such as flexibility routines to prevent pain in the future.

Surgery

Few people actually need surgery for lower back pain. If you have chronic or constant pain or have nerves being compressed, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Types include:

• Discectomy. Surgery to remove part of a damaged disc, thus relieving pressure on the nerve tissue and alleviating the pain.

• Laminectomy and laminotomy with discectomy. This involves removing part of the vertebra to relieve pain caused by the pressure on nerve roots in your spine.

• Fusion. Two vertebrae are joined to eliminate painful movement.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.