What are the best measures for acute back pain?
September 26, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hoffmann
Dear Orthopedist,
my name is Lina Höhne and I have been suffering from acute lower back pain for several days. The pain is very intense and significantly affects my daily life. I work in an office and therefore spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. In recent weeks, I have experienced increased stress due to work and personal pressures, which may have contributed to my back problems. I have already tried various measures such as heat treatments, gentle stretching exercises, and pain medication, but so far they have not provided lasting relief.
I am concerned that the pain could become chronic or lead to further health problems. Therefore, I would like to know from you what the best measures are for acute back pain. Are there specific exercises I can do to alleviate my symptoms? What medications could help in addition? Should I adjust my workplace ergonomically or avoid certain movement patterns? Are physiotherapeutic measures useful, and if so, what type of therapy would you recommend?
I hope you can help me with your professional knowledge and experience and provide me with specific tips for treating my acute back pain. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Lina Höhne
Dear Mrs. Höhne,
I understand how burdensome acute back pain can be, especially when it significantly affects your daily life. It is important that you take care of your health and take the right measures to alleviate your discomfort and avoid possible further problems.
First of all, it is good that you have already tried some measures such as heat treatments, gentle stretching exercises, and pain medication. These can usually be helpful in providing temporary relief. However, if the pain persists and could even become chronic, it is advisable to take further steps.
For acute lower back pain, I recommend first of all to move enough, but also to be mindful of excessive strain. Gentle movement such as walks or gentle stretching exercises can help loosen the muscles and promote blood circulation. However, avoid abrupt movements or heavy lifting, as this could intensify the pain.
It may also be helpful to adjust your workplace ergonomically to support better posture and reduce pressure on your back. Make sure your chair is properly adjusted, the screen is at eye level, and take regular breaks to stand up and stretch.
Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment method for acute back pain in many cases. A physiotherapist can show you targeted exercises and measures to strengthen your muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain. It is important that the therapy is tailored to your needs and complaints.
In terms of medication, anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be taken temporarily to alleviate the pain. However, it is important to take them only short-term and in consultation with a doctor to avoid side effects.
I strongly recommend that you see an orthopedist or physiotherapist to receive an accurate diagnosis of your back problems and develop an individual treatment strategy. Together, you can discuss the best measures for your situation and target the pain effectively.
I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that my tips will help you in treating your acute back pain. If you have any further questions, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Ingo Hoffmann, Orthopedist
