When you first feel back pain, try these steps to avoid or reduce pain
Relax. Find a comfortable position
for rest. Some people are comfortable on
the floor or a medium-firm bed with
a small pillow under their head and
another under their knees. Some
people prefer to lie on their side
with a pillow between their
knees. Don't stay in one position for too long
Walk. Take a short walk (10 to 20 minutes) on
a level
surface (no slopes, hills, or stairs) every
2 to 3 hours. Walk only
distances you can manage without
pain, especially leg pain
Take pain medicine if needed, such
as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
medicines that reduce pain, swelling, and
irritation, including
ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) or
naproxen (such as Aleve
or Naprosyn). These medicines usually
work best if you take them
on a regular schedule instead of waiting
until the pain is severe
Try heat or ice. Try using a heating pad on a low or
medium setting, or a warm
shower, for 15 to 20 minutes
every 2 to 3 hours. Or you can buy
single-use heat wraps that last up
to 8 hours. You can also try an ice
pack for 10 to 15 minutes
every 2 to 3 hours. You can use an
ice pack or a bag of frozen
vegetables wrapped in a thin
towel. There is not strong
evidence that either heat or ice will help, but you can
try them to see if they help. You may also
want to try switching between heat and cold
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