Acute Back Pain
- Most common type of back pain
- Usually gets better on its own
- May try heat/ice, over the counter medications
- Continuing with usual activities is best
- Normal movement can help to ease stiffness and pain
- Long-term help begins after acute phase and includes physical therapy with home exercises
Chronic Back Pain
- Lasting longer than 6 weeks
- Majority of cases DO NOT require surgery
- Cause not always clear
- Usually more than one cause of symptoms
Cautionary Signs (see a physician immediately)
- Severe localized pain
- Fevers or chills
- Previous diagnosis of cancer
- Inability to control bowel or bladder
- Sudden weakness of arms or legs
Causes of Back Pain
- Mechanical
- Disc degeneration
- Disc herniation
- Muscle spasms or tension
- Injuries
- Vertebral fractures
- Sprains
- Tears in the ligaments that support the spine
- Acquired Conditions
- Scoliosis
- Slippage
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Other conditions not originating in the spine itself
For more details on University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center or for help obtaining a physician referral, please call 440-285-7757.