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Back Pain Back Pain Basics

Finding Relief for Your Aching Back

Summary & Participants

When it comes to treating lower back pain, experts recommend taking the conservative route first.

Medically Reviewed On: August 07, 2008

Webcast Transcript

Ed, Has Low Back Pain: It was just constant discomfort which kind of grinds on you over time.

ANNOUNCER: Ed is taking a conservative approach to dealing with his lower back pain.

Ed, Has Low Back Pain: I'm seeing gradual improvement, you know. And the key thing is you do see the doctor and the physical therapists twice a week, but you really have to go home and do these exercises twice a day.

ANNOUNCER: Back specialist Dr. Neal Mesnick says strengthening the muscles that support the spine is key.

Neal Mesnick, MD, Physiatrist: In most cases, I would like them to see a physical therapist for a few sessions to instruct them in proper body mechanics and focus on core strength. I mean, the core being the hip, pelvic and para spinal muscles.

ANNOUNCER: One of the biggest myths about treating lower back pain is that you should rest until the pain goes away. Experts say more than two days in bed is a no-no.

Neal Mesnick, MD, Physiatrist: What that does, it actually decreases the blood flow to the area, so they might have some more inflammation and pain. And, over time, past three, four days, they're going to develop, start developing some deconditioning, which will actually make it worse.

ANNOUNCER: Short-term use of medications to reduce inflammation can also ease pain

Neal Mesnick, MD, Physiatrist: If you're taking the medications for five weeks and it hasn't helped, it's probably not going to help. Another possibility of giving medication right to the area is an epidural steroid injection.

ANNOUNCER: Mesnick says surgery should only be considered as a last resort.

Neal Mesnick, MD, Physiatrist: Once somebody goes into a surgeon, I would like them to have failed all conservative options. Look, I tried rest, I tried nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, I tried oral steroids, I tried physical therapy for four and eight weeks, I tried epidural steroid injections and nothing's helping me and I can't get back to activity.

Ed, Has Low Back Pain: I'll continue to take my time and go the conservative approach. You got to do a lot of work to get this back fixed.

ANNOUNCER: Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.