Experiencing your back “going out” can be both painful and debilitating. This term often describes sudden, acute back pain that can severely limit mobility and comfort. Understanding the immediate and long-term strategies to manage such incidents is crucial. This article incorporates the latest research on acute back pain management and outlines practical steps to alleviate pain and prevent future episodes.

Immediate Steps to Take

When your back “goes out,” the pain you feel is typically due to muscle spasms, misaligned spinal joints, or both. Here’s what the latest research suggests you should do immediately:

1. Reduce Aggravating Positions or Postures: Initially, it’s important to avoid positions or movements that exacerbate the pain. This might mean adjusting how you sit, stand, or sleep temporarily. Small changes, such as using a supportive chair or adjusting your sleep position, can significantly reduce stress on your spine.
2. Keep Moving: While it may feel counterintuitive, maintaining a certain level of activity is essential. Complete bed rest is no longer recommended as it can lead to a slower recovery. Light activities like walking or gentle stretching are advisable to keep muscles active and prevent stiffness, which can prolong pain.
3. Work on Motor Control: Motor control exercises help in stabilizing the spine and reducing the likelihood of spasms. These exercises involve learning how to coordinate your muscles to support and stabilize the spine during various activities, which can help reduce pain and prevent future episodes.

Front Line Treatments

Based on current research, several effective treatments can be employed immediately after experiencing acute back pain:

1. Chiropractic Care: Spinal manipulation administered by chiropractors has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in cases of acute back pain. This treatment can help realign the spine, relieve pressure on nerves, and improve overall mobility.
2. McKenzie Exercises: These exercises are part of a standardized approach to extending the spine through specific movements. The goal is to centralize or alleviate the pain away from the extremities (like the legs) and into the back, where it is generally better tolerated and easier to manage.
3. Motor Control Exercises: As mentioned earlier, these exercises improve the stability and coordination of the spine and abdominal muscles. Strengthening these areas helps support the spine, which can reduce pain and disability associated with acute back pain.
4. Dry Needling: This treatment involves inserting fine needles into trigger points or tight muscles. It can be particularly effective for reducing muscle tension and pain. Research suggests that dry needling can help release knots and relieve muscle pain that often accompanies acute back episodes.
5. Electrical Stimulation: Often used alongside other treatments, electrical stimulation can help alleviate pain by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers produced by the body.

Long-Term Management Strategies

Preventing future episodes of back pain involves a comprehensive approach:

• Regular Exercise: Including both general physical activity and specific exercises aimed at strengthening the back, improving flexibility, and enhancing core stability.
• Ergonomics: Making adjustments to work and home environments to support proper posture and reduce strain on the back.
• Stress Management: Since stress can tighten the muscles and exacerbate pain, techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can be beneficial.

Conclusion

Understanding what to do when your back “goes out” can help you manage this painful experience more effectively. Immediate actions like adjusting your posture, staying active, and engaging in motor control exercises combined with front-line treatments like chiropractic adjustments, McKenzie exercises, and other therapies can provide significant relief. Adopting long-term preventive measures can also help minimize the risk of recurrence, keeping your back healthy and functional.