Acute back pain can come out of nowhere. Even everyday movements like crouching down, getting into a car or reaching for something on a shelf can cause your back to go into spasm.
Luckily, this kind of sudden severe pain after an ordinary movement is rarely a sign of something serious and there is usually no need to go to A&E. Here we’ll talk about the best ways to manage sudden back pain and the red flags that tell you when you should seek immediate medical attention.
Back Pain Is Severe And I Can’t Move – What Should I Do?
Wait and breathe. Get yourself into the least painful position possible and wait for a few minutes. If possible, engage your mind with something else like the TV or a podcast, sip some water and take steady breaths to bring your stress levels down.
Painkillers. Take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen. The NHS advises that you can also take paracetamol alongside for pain relief.
Use cold. We sell cold packs but you can use a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a tea towel) to relieve swelling and pain.
As soon as you can, move gently. As soon as you’re able to, walk to and fro. If this is too much, try swaying or gently stretching. If you can’t get up, make sure you regularly change position on your seat.
Give Sundial a ring. Our chiropractors can talk through your symptoms and advise you, check for ‘Red Flags’, and arrange a time for you to come in for treatment.
You could also try these exercises as long as it doesn’t make the pain a lot worse: The 3 Best Back Exercises To Do At Home
What Should I Avoid with Sudden Back Pain?
Avoid staying in bed or on the sofa for long periods of time. When you’ve got severe back pain, this is usually the first thing you want to do, but immobilising yourself can actually prolong your symptoms and make your pain worse.
Avoid lifting. While it’s important to stay as mobile as you can during an episode of severe back pain, avoid weight lifting and carrying heavy objects until you start to feel better.
Don’t Panic. Sudden severe back pain can be alarming, but be reassured that this acute stage is short-lived. Pain can be exacerbated by anxiety, so keep your mind busy with other things and know that your back pain is temporary.
Red Flags: When Should You Go To A&E with Sudden Back Pain?
Very rarely, sudden severe pain can be a sign of an emergency. Below are the symptoms which tell you to ring 999 or go to Accident and Emergency.
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe back pain following a recent accident – but remember, if you’ve had a fall or been involved in a collision, it’s important to get yourself checked out anyway
- Numbness or tingling around the genitals
- Difficulty passing urine
- Loss of control of bladder or bowels
Back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence – don’t hesitate to book in with us if you need help.