Question 187 of 433
What should I do about back pain?
The short answer
Keep moving. Most back pain improves within weeks, and bed rest makes it worse.
Walking, core strengthening, and physical therapy are the first-line treatments. Scans often show bulging discs and “degeneration” in people with no pain at all, so findings on an MRI should not be treated unless they match your symptoms. See a doctor promptly for leg weakness, numbness in the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a fall if you have thin bones.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS / GUIDELINE — Most nonspecific back pain: active care; red flags require urgent assessment.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 13, Q187 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.