Top 5 Tips for Effective Relief of Acute Back Pain

written by: Catherine Mansell; article published: year 2010, month 06;

In: Root » Health » Medicine and alternative

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As many as 4 in 5 of us suffer from acute back pain at some point during our lifetimes. Acute back pain can be the result overstretched muscles or ligaments and in most cases, the pain is usually most severe straight after injury, although it can worsen gradually over a few hours.

There are several effective treatments for relieving acute back pain and in most cases recovery takes from within four to six weeks. Below are practical and effective remedies for easing acute back pain:

  • Hot and cold: a cold compress applied to the affected area for around 20 minutes will slow the inflammation of the back, numb tissue and slow nerve pulses. A cold compress can be an ice pack or just a bag of vegetables wrapped in a tea towel!

    Once the acute pain and muscle spasms have stopped, usually around 2 days after the initial injury, it is recommended that you apply heat e.g. a hot bath or heat pack. The back muscles will be tight from the injury and applying heat will help to loosen them.


  • Exercise: Muscle strengthening exercises such as stretching exercises, swimming, walking and yoga can all help to ease back pain through increased flexibility and improved muscle strength and posture.

  • Painkillers: Treatment with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines such as paracetemol, aspirin and ibuprofen can provide quick pain relief to sufferers of acute back pain – easing swelling and stiffness to the affected area.

  • Specialist treatments: treatments provided by specialists such as physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors can provide short term relief to back pain.

  • A good quality mattress & adjustable bed: investing in a good quality mattress and bed can ease and, in some cases, prevent acute back pain. Before buying a new mattress it is imperative to test it for comfort and firmness, a mattress that is too soft or too hard can cause further aches and pains.

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