You have been treated for an Acute back Injury. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.
Early Stage
Rest
An initial period of complete rest in positions that cause minimal or no pain will allow the damaged structures to begin healing themselves. Lying down relieves the spine of body weight. You should only get up to go to the toilet or to get refreshments. Try some of these positions and use those that give you most pain relief.
Get into bed by sitting on the edge, and lower yourself onto your side, keeping your back straight. Roll onto your back ‘like a log’, moving hips, knees and shoulders together. Get out of bed by reversing the procedure.
Leg Pain/Abnormal Sensation in the Leg
Pain, ‘pins and needles’ or numbness extending below the knee suggests that you may have pressure on a nerve root as it emerges from the back. Try to avoid activities or positions that make the pain move towards your foot.
Avoid
- Sitting, as this tends to aggravate most spinal conditions
- Stooping, and wear clothes/shoes that you can get on without bending forwards
- Sitting/lying in the bath/shower or at least kneel in the bath to wash
- Any other activities, movements or postures that make your pain worse.
Drugs
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Remember that they may mask symptoms, so still try not to provoke any pain.
An ice-pack applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 3 or 4 hours may relieve muscle spasm and pain. Wrap crushed ice cubes, or a packet of frozen peas, inside a wet towel and place over the painful area. Alternatively, a hot water bottle may also be effective in reducing pain and spasm.
Do not use ice or heat therapy if:
- You have a skin abnormality – poor circulation, or thin, shiny, flaky, dry skin
- Your skin sensation is numb or diminished
- You have sickle cell anaemia
- It makes your symptoms worse.
Exercises
These should be carried out on the advice of your Physiotherapist or Doctor.
Later Stage
As symptoms start to decrease, gradually resume your normal activities. Avoid sitting and bending at first. Be guided by your pain, and mix short periods of activity with rest initially.
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