Low Backache

In 90% of patients,acute low back pain,even with sciatic nerve involvement, resolves within 4 to 6 weeks.

➤ Analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or narcotics, muscle relaxants, and attempts at maintaining some level of activity are helpful in managing acute low back pain; bedrest does not help.

➤ Pain that interferes with sleep, significant unintentional weight loss, or fever suggests an infectious or neoplastic cause of back pain.

➤ Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging, are useful only if surgery is being considered (persistent pain and neurologic symptoms after 4 to 6 weeks of conservative care in patients with herniated disks) or
if a neoplastic or inflammatory cause of back pain is being considered.