Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a spine specialist
A: First of all, it’s important to know that in time, things will improve. Back pain like yours that is acute (lasting less than one month) or subacute (lasting one to three months) usually gets better as time goes on. This is true no matter what treatment is used.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Try easing your way back to exercising when you feel the pain has lessened a bit. Exercise remains the main strategy for returning to full function during an acute bout of low back pain.
If acute or subacute low back pain doesn’t resolve on its own, we agree with American College of Physicians guidelines that recommend:
These options can facilitate your rapid return to exercise and function.
The key is to avoid prolonged rest, which accelerates the risk of disability and deconditioning.
Occasionally, short-term use (five to 10 days) of non-steroidal inflammatory medications (such as naproxen, ibuprofen or celecoxib) or muscle relaxants (such as baclofen, metaxalone, or tizanidine) can help improve pain enough to return you to your regular exercise/fitness program.
As always, we recommend consulting with your doctor if your lower back pain is causing you additional concern and there are no signs of improvement.
— Spine specialist Phillip Mendis, DO.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Stretch before heading outside, keep proper form and avoid jerking or twisting to throw snow
It’s always a good idea to let a healthcare provider know about any back pain you’re experiencing, especially if it results from trauma or persists longer than three months
From physical and biofeedback therapy to nerve ablations and blocks, there are many nonsurgical options for managing back pain
Rest, physical therapy, acupuncture and nerve blocks are just a few ways to find relief
Get moving, use cold packs, and try yoga and stretches to ease back pain
Back pain often has multiple causes, only some of which an epidural steroid injection can relieve
When your lower back locks up, walking and stretching are key
Back spasms, shingles and disk conditions can all feel like a burning sensation
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims
