The following is an excerpt from "A Natural Method of Health Care - Introduction to Chiropractic" 10th edition. This important reference, a $12.95 value, is given to all new patients. If you would like a copy please contact our office, the Florida Chiropractic Association or you may order from Amazon.com.

Instructions For Home Care For A Low Back Injury

When convalescing from a back sprain or strain or acute disc injury, the following are recommended:

l. Do not apply heat unless instructed by your chiropractor.

2. Do not take hot tub baths with acute low back problems until instructed to do so.

3. Do not sleep on a soft bed. In most instances a firm bed is preferable. A tip when getting out of bed is to turn to your side, attempt to place your feet on the floor, push yourself to a sitting position, attempting to keep your back straight. This often helps to ease the distress of getting out of bed.

4.Do not sleep on your abdomen. Sleep on your side with one or both knees slight ly bent. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to relieve the strain on your lower back.

5. Do not sit on soft or deep chairs or sofas.

6. Do not walk up or down stairs more than absolutely necessary. Do not walk on rough terrain.

7. Do not lift heavy objects. When lifting, bring objects close to you, using your legs in lifting, not your back. Do not turn your head while lifting.

8. Do not stoop forward with knees straight. Squat down, using your knees and strong leg muscles, not your back.

9. Do not stand in one spot for long periods of time. If it is necessary, such as when ironing, keep one foot on a low stool to help relieve the strain to your low back. Alternate your right and left leg periodically. The stool can be 4" to 6" high and adjust ed to your comfort.

10. Do not drive during the acute pain state. Try to have a family member or friend drive you to the office until you ask your doctor about driving yourself.

11. Do not engage in any exercise program without consulting your doctor.

12. If you are taking any over-the-counter medication or prescription pain medication, be certain to inform your doctor of chiropractic.

Should symptoms reoccur, or worsen, consult your chiropractor promptly.

What to Do For Sudden Back Injury

Many severe attacks of back pain develop from something as insignificant as bending over a bathroom sink, reaching to pick up some small item, sneezing, or reaching into low cabinets. Usually, a series of small incidents leads up to cause the back injury. Heavy lifting, falls or severe strain are early precipitating factors in many back injuries. Most patients will usually remember some incident after they have had time to think about past accidents, falls, or they have been reminded by family or friends.

Faulty spinal dynamics are often a cause of severe back pain. Faulty spinal alignment, over a period of time, will cause gradual weakening of disc fibers and other ligaments. In this weakened condition, sometimes all it may take to cause severe back pain is the leverage of a simple movement, such as reaching into the cupboard.

When such an incident occurs:

1. Lie down immediately in any position that is comfortable. Lying on your side with knees drawn up (fetal position) with a pillow between your knees provides a comfortable position. Care should be taken to keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine.

2. Use ice. If you do not have a soft gel ice pack, you can use an item from your freezer. Even more helpful is to freeze water in a styrofoam cup and peel away an inch of the cup and rub the ice over the injured area as an ice massage. Use the ice for 20-30 minutes. This may hurt at first, but after several minutes, the area will become desensitized and you will feel less discomfort. Utilizing ice for less than 15 minutes will significantly diminish the effectiveness. Reapply ice as directed. Do not keep ice directly on the area for longer than 30 minutes as this will impair circulation and cause additional complications.

3. Call your doctor of chiropractic and make arrangements to go to the office as soon as possible. In some cases, it may be suggested that you remain at home and use some "first aid" measures suggested by your doctor, such as ice applications, massage, supports, simple exercises or other suggestions based upon your doctor's recommendations.

4. Do not sit in a soft recliner or soft sofa or overstuffed chair, as this may aggravate your condition and make it difficult for you to get out of the chair. It is advisable to use a straight back chair with two arms to provide support getting into and out of the chair. A small pillow behind your low back may provide some additional comfort.

5. A walker is very helpful in providing support and balance while standing and walking.

6. Maintain a positive outlook. Conservative chiropractic care is very effective in many back injury conditions. However, it takes time for the body to heal, so be patient.

Back to Top

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
AN OSTEOARTHRITIC SPINE

• Limited movement in low back.
• Increased pain and stiffness in the morning or after sitting which improves with movement or activity.
• Tightness and cramping in buttocks and leg muscles.
• Recurrent, frequent bouts of low back and leg pain.
• Increased leg pain after walking short distances (relieved with rest).
• Other signs may be present.
• Dull, painfully stiff low backache.
• Frequent muscle spasms in low back.
• Numbness, tingling, and a feeling of weakness into legs and/or toes.
• Radiating pain into buttocks, legs and feet.
• Constant painful inability to walk or move without the use of some form of support.
• Other symptoms may be present