Lower Back Pain

NORTH EAST MEDICAL SERVICES

LOWER BACK PAIN

Lower back pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, especially older adults. Fortunately, most occurrences of lower back pain are temporary and go away within a few days. In other instances, it will take much longer to resolve, or the back pain may lead to more serious conditions. It is important to talk to your doctor so you know what is causing your lower back pain and what you can do about it.

RISK FACTORS Certain factors will put you at higher risk for lower back pain, including:

 Older age  Jobs that require heavy lifting,  Poor fitness level pushing, pulling, or sitting in  Diet high in calories and fat uncomfortable chairs  Family history/heredity  Smoking, which also slows  The presence of other the healing process for people diseases, such as forms of who have had back injuries, arthritis and cancers that may back surgery, or broken spread to the spine bones.

COMMON CAUSES Common causes of lower back pain include:

 Abnormalities in the spine  Lifting heavy objects  Bone lesions  Nerve or muscle irritation  Buildup of scar tissue on the  Obesity back from repeated injuries  Overstretching  Conditions such as arthritis or  Poor physical condition disc disease, osteoporosis or  Poor sleeping position other bone diseases  Smoking  Inappropriate posture  Stress  Injury or trauma to the back  Viral infections  Irritation to joints and discs  Weight gain during pregnancy  Kidney stones

DIAGNOSIS Your doctor will usually diagnose the cause of your lower back pain by looking at your medical history and performing a physical examination. Sometimes, they may order medical tests to find a more specific cause.

CONTACT NORTH EAST MEDICAL SERVICES (415) 391-9686 | (408) 573-9686 | www.nems.org

Chinatown/North Beach Portola Visitacion Valley Sunset San Jose 1520 Stockton Street 2574 San Bruno Avenue 82 Leland Avenue 1450 Noriega Street 1750 Lundy Avenue #108-116 San Francisco, CA 94133 San Francisco, CA 94134 San Francisco, CA 94134 San Francisco, CA 94122 San Jose, CA 95131

Lower Back Pain - English NEMS Adult Medicine – 2/2011 NORTH EAST MEDICAL SERVICES

o Behavioral modification: Try to develop a healthy attitude and learn to move your body properly for daily activities. Changes that might reduce pain include adopting healthy habits such as exercise, relaxation, and regular sleep. o Injections for pain relief o Manipulation by osteopathic doctors and chiropractors o Acupuncture

Surgical Treatments for Chronic Back Pain: o Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may be the first treatment of choice (rare) or used only after other treatments have failed. For treatments regarding specific diagnoses or general surgical options for back pain, please consult your doctor.

Acute Back Pain Treatment Acute back pain is short-term and goes away in a short period of time. Getting up and moving around TREATMENT & PREVENTION can help ease stiffness and relieve pain. Some people use acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen to Chronic Back Pain Treatment help ease the pain. Exercises or surgery are Chronic back pain is long-term and is treated usually not advisable for acute back pain. differently than acute back pain. Treatment may require surgery in some cases. Most doctors will You can help prevent lower back pain by: first try to treat you without surgery. If that does not  Performing physical activity and exercises that work, then they will suggest surgical options. help increase balance and strength  Eating healthy Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic Back Pain:  Maintaining a healthy weight, which can help o Hot or cold: Hot or cold packs—or a you avoid unnecessary and injury-causing combination of the two—can be soothing to stress and strain on your back. chronically sore, stiff backs, but it does not  Consuming the recommended intake of cure the cause of chronic back pain. calcium and vitamin D every day o Exercise: Proper exercise can help ease  Practicing good posture chronic pain and perhaps reduce the risk of it  Supporting your back properly returning. Ask your doctor or physical therapist  Avoid lifting heavy objects for more details about choosing the safest  Keeping your back straight if you do lift heavy exercises for you. objects. Lift objects by putting the stress on o Physical therapy your legs and hips, rather than on your back. o Quit smoking o Medications: Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti- RESOURCES inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as  National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin ibuprofen Diseases (NIAMS)  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

CONTACT NORTH EAST MEDICAL SERVICES (415) 391-9686 | (408) 573-9686 | www.nems.org

Chinatown/North Beach Portola Visitacion Valley Sunset San Jose 1520 Stockton Street 2574 San Bruno Avenue 82 Leland Avenue 1450 Noriega Street 1750 Lundy Avenue #108-116 San Francisco, CA 94133 San Francisco, CA 94134 San Francisco, CA 94134 San Francisco, CA 94122 San Jose, CA 95131

Lower Back Pain - English NEMS Adult Medicine – 2/2011