DiagnosisYour health care provider will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. Your provider might also ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and talk to you about how your pain affects your daily activities. Show
These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They can also help rule out more-serious causes of back pain. One or more of these tests might help pinpoint the cause of the back pain:
TreatmentMost back pain gets better within a month of home treatment, especially for people younger than age 60. However, for many, the pain lasts several months. Pain relievers and the use of heat might be all that's needed. Bed rest isn't recommended. Continue your activities as much as you can with back pain. Try light activity, such as walking. Stop activity that increases pain, but don't avoid activity out of fear of pain. If home treatments aren't working after several weeks, your health care provider might recommend stronger medications or other therapies. MedicationsMedications depend on the type of back pain. They might include:
Physical therapyA physical therapist can teach exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen back and abdominal muscles, and improve posture. Regular use of these techniques can help keep pain from returning. Physical therapists will also provide education about how to modify movements during an episode of back pain to avoid flaring pain symptoms while continuing to be active. Surgical and other proceduresProcedures used to treat back pain may include:
More Information
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information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Alternative medicineA number of alternative treatments might ease back pain. Always discuss the benefits and risks with your health care provider before starting a new alternative therapy.
Preparing for your appointmentIf your back pain persists despite home treatment, see your health care provider. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doMake a list of:
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive. For back pain, questions to ask your provider include:
What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
Sept. 17, 2022 What is the most effective back pain reliever?Best over-the-counter pain relievers for back pain. Best for fast back pain relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) ... . Best for all day/night back pain relief: Naproxen (Aleve) ... . Best for back pain relief if you can't use NSAIDs: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) ... . Best topical back pain option: Diclofenac gel (Voltaren gel, Aspercreme gel). What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?Home remedies for fast back pain relief. Overview.. Exercise.. Improve posture.. Use heat and cold.. Stretch.. Pain relief cream.. Massage.. Arnica.. What overMedicines. Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), available over-the-counter, is an excellent medication for the short-term treatment of low back pain. ... . Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are also effective in relieving pain.. What is the first line medication for back pain relief?Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first-line medications for chronic low back pain. Tramadol, opioids, and other adjunctive medications may benefit some patients who do not respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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