Low Back Pain
Overview: An episode of low back pain occurs at least once in the lifetime of 70% or more of individuals in the U.S. The vast majority of this pain is related to mechanical factors, such as muscular strains or mild facet(spinal joint) arthritis. Only 4% involves a herniated disc, in which leg symptoms are actually a more prominent factor. Less than 1% is due to infections, tumors, fractures, or other causes. A small percentage(2% or less) is referred pain, mostly from an intra-abdominal source.
The good new is that almost all (85%) low back pain gets better within 6 weeks, whether there is any specific treatment used or not! Another 10-12% will improve within the subsequent 6-8 wks. Only 1-2% of cases develop into more chronic back pain problems.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: If low back pain hasn’t improved with conservative measures at home, further evaluation in the office may be warranted. In addition to obtaining a history and performing a physical examination, the assessment may include a limited number of lab tests such as a urinalysis.
Imaging of the area with an x-ray may rarely be performed, although this is useful only in certain limited circumstances. If more extensive evaluation is needed, a referral for specialized imaging (e.g. MRI) or to a specialist may be recommended.
In most cases, the use of analgesics, stretching, and exercises will be reviewed for symptomatic relief. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed. A referral for physical therapy services may be suggested.
Resources
Last update: 11 Dec 2007
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
