The Best Way to Beat Back Pain is to Keep Moving and Wait It Out

About 25% of Americans say that they have had back pain within the past three months.  Treatment of back pain with opioids has been a contributing factor to the crisis of drug addiction in this country.  

New guidelines recommended by the American College of Physicians say that non drug therapies such as massage, superficial heat, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, the use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), mindfulness-based exercise and physical exercise should be the first line of attack when trying to get back pain under control. Interestingly, acetaminophen and steroid injections have not been shown to be effective at improving back pain.  Physicians are being encouraged to select therapies that have the fewest potential harms and costs.

Many people will stop moving when they have back pain, afraid that they will make things worse.  This is not the case, keep moving and wait it out. Back pain will run its course.

 What can you do to prevent a future bout of back pain? Stay physically strong, work on your posture, understand good movement mechanics, bring someone in to be sure your work -station is ergonomically correct and try and avoid prolonged sitting.  The Mayo clinic recommends getting up out of your chair every 40 minutes. Read the American College of Physicians Guidelines.