Acute Low Back Pain Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Primary Care Physician)

Dr Patel graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine. She worked in clinical research at the University of Illinois in Chicago and University of Nevada in Las Vegas focused on culturally adapted health interventions for preventive medicine in the community setting. Received her Master's of Science in Global Health (concentration in Health Policy) from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. Unnati went on to complete her family medicine residency in Chicago, Illinois at Norwegian American Hospital. | | She is currently working as a primary care physician in the city of Chicago and completing her Master's of Business Administration at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and Fellowship in Leadership in Value-Based Care.

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedic surgery)

Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.

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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

  • Lying on the back improves pain

  • Lower back hurts even when sitting still

  • Low back pain improves with exercise

  • Lower back pain aggravated by pressing

  • Bending over hurts my lower back a lot

  • Lower back pain through the night

  • Lower back pain that makes me want to sit down

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Learn more about Acute low back pain

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is acute low back pain?

Sudden pain in the lower back can be caused by muscle strain, such as after lifting heavy objects or coughing vigorously. In some cases, the pain is apparent upon waking up and no preceding cause is found.

Symptoms of acute low back pain

  • Low back pain

  • Lower back pain when lifting heavy things or slouching

  • Low back pain is worsened when getting up from sitting or lying position

  • Spine pain

  • Pain changes with posture

  • Low back pain when standing straight

  • Symptoms started with back pain on one side only

  • Back pain

Questions your doctor may ask to check for acute low back pain

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose acute low back pain

  • Do you have pain in the lumbar back?

  • Did your symptoms appear when you lifted something or leaned forward?

  • Did your symptoms appear when you move your body?

  • Do you have spine pain?

  • Do you feel that the pain gets worse or better when changing position or posture?

Treatment for acute low back pain

This condition usually improves without treatment. Reducing strenuous activities, taking a short period of bed rest, and using warm compresses can help. In severe cases, seeing a physiotherapist and taking medications to reduce pain and muscle spasms can be helpful.

View the symptoms of Acute low back pain

  • Lower back pain

  • Back pain

References

  • Casazza BA. Diagnosis and treatment of acute low back pain. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Feb 15;85(4):343-50. PMID: 22335313.

    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0215/p343.html

User testimonials

Reviewed By:

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (Primary Care Physician)

Dr Patel graduated from the Zhejiang University School of Medicine. She worked in clinical research at the University of Illinois in Chicago and University of Nevada in Las Vegas focused on culturally adapted health interventions for preventive medicine in the community setting. Received her Master's of Science in Global Health (concentration in Health Policy) from Georgetown University, during which she worked with the WHO in Sierra Leone and Save the Children in Washington, D.C. Unnati went on to complete her family medicine residency in Chicago, Illinois at Norwegian American Hospital. | | She is currently working as a primary care physician in the city of Chicago and completing her Master's of Business Administration at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and Fellowship in Leadership in Value-Based Care.

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD

Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedic surgery)

Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.

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