‘Help my back’s killing me’

What to do if you get sudden lower back pain

Many of you have been there, or may even be in this situation while reading this. In the middle of the night, or perhaps during a weekend and wanted desperately to get an appointment, after an episode of sudden lower back pain.

What can you do to help yourself? 

Well first make sure it’s a complaint which can wait until the next available appointment.  Click here to find out when that is, with our Cranbrook Chiropractor.

There are many causes of pain, and they aren’t all musculoskeletal.

Should you be concerned your complaint is more concerning, we recommend you consult your nearest A+E, GP or call 111. 

Here are a couple of symptoms associated with lower back or leg pain, we would recommend you get check immediately at your nearest A+E or Doctors surgery. This list is not exhaustive and is here in the hope to help you get the care you need: 

  • Loss of control to the bowel or bladder (difficulty stopping or starting)

  • Loss of sensation over your buttock

  • Weakness, shooting, tingling or numbness in your legs 

So what tips can our Cranbrook Chiropractor offer you, if your musculoskeletal complaint erupts at an inconvenient time? 

  • Avoid any position or motion which causes pain

  • For a maximum of 10minutes every 2 hours, apply an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas). These must be wrapped in a tea towel, to avoid burning the skin.

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Try not to remain in one position longer than 30minutes

  • Get up regularly and move

  • Focus on keeping the spine aligned. The spin is not designed very well to withstand bending or twisting forces, especially while injured.

  • If the pain is really bad consult a pharmacist, or your GP to obtain suitable pain relief and/or anti inflammatories (Can be useful if you aren’t sleeping due to pain).

  • Get some good rest and sleep – A lot of healing happens when we are sleeping as our resources can be diverted here rather than to our muscles, digestive system and brain when we are awake.

If you are suffering from, sudden lower back pain, why not book in for a consultation with one of our Chiropractors. They will carefully examine you to establish a diagnosis, before starting appropriate treatment, to help get you on the road to recovery.

Call us on 01392 984959 or book online.