What the Research Says about Acute Low Back Pain

If your lower back has ever seized up while you were lifting a laundry basket or climbing out of the car, you know how quickly it can take over your whole day (and your mood).

A new review of the research on acute low back pain, published in Pain Medicine, looked at which treatments help, and I was so happy to see where the evidence landed.

The researchers found moderate evidence that several options improve pain, function, or both: anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, spinal manipulation and mobilization, acupuncture, early physical therapy with a focus on exercise, and simple advice to stay active. That last one is my favorite because it costs nothing... keeping your body gently moving is part of the treatment.

A few other findings are worth knowing before your next appointment. Getting an X-ray or MRI right away didn’t improve outcomes for people without signs of a serious spine problem.

The evidence for steroids in pain that travels down the leg (radiculopathy) was weak, and opioids may work about as well as a placebo for pain and function while carrying a higher risk of harm.

The researchers also found that psychosocial factors, like stress and mood, were the strongest predictors of whether back pain sticks around long term, which tells me that caring for your nervous system is part of caring for your back.

If you’re dealing with back pain, bring this list to your healthcare provider so you can talk through which combination makes sense for you. And if acupuncture is on your list, you know where to find me. :)

One of my favorite things is this fennel, apple, and celery salad.

I use the food processor to slice 1-2 fennel bulbs, 1 large apple, and 3-4 celery stalks. I saute the fennel for a minute over med-high heat in a little oil, and then add the apple.

This one I seasoned with poppy seeds, a dash of salt, celery seeds, coriander (1/4 tsp), and cardamon (1/2 tsp). I added the celery off heat.

It makes a yummy side dish for your Thanksgiving table, can be used to stuff a turkey, or can be mixed into bread to make stuffing. Also, you don't have to cook it--tastes great raw also for extra crunch.

I have been looking for "theragun" options that are a bit more gentle and found an amazing one at a conference I recently attended.

This thing is so small and comfortable in your hand and worked the knots out of my shoulders in just a few minutes. I was able to negotiate a discount off the retail price, and I'd like to offer that to you as a pre-Black Friday sale!!

Here is the website to learn more about it

They normally sell for $399, but if you would like to order one through me for just $325, please reply to this email or call the office.

It's a great way to invest any HSA/FSA money that you have to spend before the end of the year--and get a truly useful holiday present at the same time!