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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > N > Nonspecific back pain

Nonspecific back pain    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Back pain - nonspecific

Treatment

Most back problems will heal naturally, with or without treatment. Rest and pain medications (analgesics) may be necessary. Medications may be needed to reduce muscle spasms. Physical therapy is often prescribed to instruct the patient on proper body mechanics (good posture, lifting correctly) and to improve strength and flexibility in the spine, abdomen and legs.

Prognosis

Most cases of nonspecific back pain will resolve without intervention. It is helpful to sleep on a very firm mattress (with a bed board under the mattress), or on a waterbed, or even on the floor. Heat or ice applied to the affected area may provide some relief.

Complications

Chronic pain can develop which can be debilitating and keep people out of work.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if there is significant pain that persists beyond a week.

Call your health care provider if you have been diagnosed with nonspecific back pain, and the pain changes in intensity or quality; particularly if the pain travels down the legs below the knee (which suggests pressure on the nerves as they leave the spinal cord), or if there is weakness or numbness in a leg.

Ency. home > Disease > N > Nonspecific back pain

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