What is the Best Treatment for Acute Back Pain

GP's used to prescribe bed rest for acute back pain but now we know that was the worst advice they could have given us. Bed rest alone can actually make your back pain worse. It can also lead to weakened muscles then more pain. What they now say is that you should rest for a short period, 1 -2 days, applying ice for the first couple of days then heats pads to loosen the tight muscles. Take over the counter pain medications and stay as active as possible. If it is essential you need bed rest then make sure you walk around every couple of hours. Why?, because movement can help to speed up healing. Complementary and Alternative medicine can help treat low back pain with the most popular ones being chiropractic, physical therapy, yoga and massage. In fact, in a recent US study on chronic pain, they found that one weekly massage over a 10 week period improved pain and functioning. These benefits lasted for around six months then dwindled after one year. Fewer than 2% of people with back pain have a herniated disc or slipped disc ( bulging disc which presses on nerves). You should always see your GP if you have any numbness or tingling or fever or weakness, trouble urinating or weigh loss when not on a diet.