BACK PAIN - Common Medical Advice

General Information

Pain in the spine or muscles of the lower back. Low back pain usually involves spasm of the large, supportive muscles alongside the spine. Any injury to the back may produce muscle spasms and stiffness. Pain caused by mUSCular strain is usually confined to the back. Occasionally, it may radiate into the buttocks or upper leg(s)

The usual causes of back pain are muscle strain, pulled muscle in the back, or similar injury (the most common cause), muscle aches related to a viral infection, menstruation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), prolonged sitting in a person who is susceptible to back problems, arthritis poor posture, in children: scoliosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, or spondylolysis and nonspecific back pain.

Acute back pain is a severe pain Occurring for less than six weeks and Usually improved after a few days of treatment.

Chronic back pain persists for more than six weeks and may range from mild to severe.

Signs and Symptoms

• Tenderness, pain and stiffness in the lower back.
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs.
• Difficulty in standing erect or stand-ing in one position for a long time.
• Discomfort while sitting.
• Weakness and leg fatigue while walking.

Advice to the Customers

• Be moderately active and exercise without straining the backbones and the muscles. Maintain proper posture while sitting, standing or driving.
• Avoid lifting of heavy objects.
• Maintain a desirable weight.
• Avoid highheeled shoes.
• Rest whenever you feel stressed out.

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, 1.e. name of the medication, frequency of dosage etc.
• If the pain becomes exacerbated despite treatment, instruct the patient to consult a physician immediately.
• Inform the patient that taking rest is always the best way to avoid back pain.
• Discuss Advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management or back pain.