When you initially develop low back pain a few questions come up. Do I need bed rest? What exercises should I perform? What pain should I seek help for immediately? Here is a few facts and tips about low back pain for the first six weeks:
- More than two days of bed rest is often more harmful than helpful
- Xrays and MRIs not often necessary or helpful in early stages low back pain
- Keep as active as you can without increasing your pain significantly- Just because you have pain does not mean stop moving!
- Understand what activities increase intensity of low back pain
- If you experience pain bel0w yor knees, weakness, balance problems, changes in bowel and bladder changes or severe seek meidcae help immediatel, altered urination patterns
- Spinal manipulation in first six weeks may be beneficial for certain patients
- May use Non-steriodal Anti-inflammatories or Acetaminophen for pain control if allowed by your doctor
- Apply Ice for the first 3 days
These are some general guidelines for low back pain and if low back pain persists you should seek a formal medical examination. Keep in mind persistent low back pain can be an indication in some cases of infection, cancer, or other more serious conditions.
Tom Willemann
Tom Willemann is a premier physical therapist based out of Bergen County, New Jersey. He holds an MS in physical therapy from the University of Miami, is credentialed in the world-renowned McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), and holds an OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) certification. As of 2018, there are approximately 14,000 ABPTS certified specialists in the nation and less than 400 of them are located in the state of New Jersey.
Tom is the owner and director of Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Paramus. He opened the clinic, which specializes in spine and sports injury prevention, in 2004 after many years of experience in the field. Tom’s caring interest in others and his strong belief in continuity of care, combined with his clinic’s ability to find solutions for the most difficult orthopedic problems, have earned Apex Orthopedic Rehabilitation its excellent reputation with patients and medical professionals in northeastern New Jersey and beyond. A true “family man,” Tom takes pride in his clinic’s warm and welcoming environment.
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