Low Back Pain Instructions

Acute Low Back Pain Instructions for the first week

Avoid prolonged immobility, rest no more than 1 day. Do not stretch or exercise the injured area for the first week Ice area when painful for at least 20 min three times daily When resting, keep injured area in shortened position (do not stretch)

If steroids are given, take only as follows: Day 1: take 5 (10mg) tablets together with food Day 2: take 4 (10mg) tablets together with food Day 3: take 3 (10mg) tablets together with food Day 4: take 2 (10mg) tablets together with food Day 4: take 1 (10mg) tablet with food Day 4: take 1/2 (10mg) tablet with food

Avoid all NSAID pain and anti-inflammatory medications until steroid course completed. If you need pain relief take 1-2 Ultram (tramadol) 50mg tabs every 6 hours as needed. When pain is severe, take 2 Tylenol extra strength with Ultram. If this does not help pain, call the doctor.

Follow up is recommended in 1-2 weeks to evaluate for possible advancement to stage 2 of the healing process, which includes physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Call our office, if you have severe pain, fever, muscle weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence; or if you develop tingling in legs or groin.