Acute low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) affects at least 80% of us some time in our lives, perhaps 20-30% of us at any given time. It is usually recurrent, and subsequent episodes tend to increase in severity. It is common in individuals who lead sedentary lives and in those who engage in manual labor. It can occur at any age but is most prevalent during the third to sixth decades of life.

Acute lower back pain can last a few days or a few weeks and is often caused by sudden injury. It can also be associated with a host of activities, such as lifting improperly at home, excessively strenuous housework or yardwork, repetitive bending, or movements related to a specific occupation. “Weekend Warriors” are particularly susceptible to this kind of back pain. This may be the person who decides to hike a long trail in the mountains, ski, swim, run or bike longer than usual. Sports injuries and other traumas, such as being in a car accident or any other slip or fall can trigger muscle strain or damage the ligaments of the lower back. All of these activities can cause lower back pain.

Patients with acute low-back pain often improve on their own, through self-care, and stay active. If acute low back pain persist after four weeks, you can consider non-drug therapies, including Chiropractic manipulation.