{"id":36523,"date":"2025-02-19T07:00:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T07:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=36523"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:18:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T19:18:36","slug":"should-i-see-a-doctor-lower-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/should-i-see-a-doctor-lower-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I see a doctor: Lower back pain","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

As you stand up following a long binge session of your favorite show, your back throws an angry ache your way. You do a quick stretch and it seems to help, but later that night the throbbing returns.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s gone the next day, let\u2019s call it a fluke. If you haven\u2019t found relief a few weeks later, though, it may be time to call your provider.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s \u2018normal\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Back pain can hit at any age, although you may find it easier to tweak your back as you get older. Ultimately, most back pain is related to activity level. Not just how much physical activity you\u2019re getting, but what kind. If you\u2019re developing asymmetrical muscle strength \u2014for every push movement, you need a pull \u2014 it may be throwing your back out of whack.<\/p>\n

Lower back pain is to be expected after a hard workout, forgetting to stretch post-workout or if you have a sedentary job. If it lasts only a day or two and can be easily released with some self-care, there\u2019s no reason for concern. Although you may want to consider making some changes to your physical activity to prevent recurrences.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s \u2018not normal\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers on a regular basis (more than a few days a week) or your pain isn\u2019t going away despite all your efforts and lifestyle changes, it\u2019s time to talk with your doctor or other health care provider.<\/p>\n

Other dangerous red flags that should be evaluated by an emergency provider include: radiating pain that shoots from your back down your leg; weakness in the back or legs lower extremities that throws off your balance or causes debilitating pain; bowel issues or loss of bowel control related to back pain; or inability to walk or move.<\/p>\n

How to care for your condition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the worst things to do for back pain is to stop moving. You don\u2019t need to run a marathon, but some light activity and stretching are key to preventing the muscles from cramping further.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to focus on targeted stretching (glutes and hamstrings) and strengthening your core muscles. Try dynamic exercises, like playing a sport, and ensure your movements are balanced (a push for every pull, and mixing up your routine regularly).<\/p>\n

If you have a sedentary lifestyle, such as working at a desk, ergonomic practices can help prevent things from getting worse. Think in 90-degree angles \u2014 feet flat on floor, hips and knees at right angle, elbows at sides and eyes in line with middle of the screen. Humans aren\u2019t meant to be stagnant, so try introducing movement when you can, like a sit to stand desk to keep your hip flexors and sitting muscles awake.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to care for those tight muscles with Epsom salt baths.<\/p>\n

Medical review provided for this piece by <\/em>Troy Underbrink, DO<\/em><\/a>, with <\/em>MultiCare Family Medicine \u2013 West Tacoma.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As you stand up following a long binge session of your favorite show, your back throws an angry ache your way. You do a quick stretch and it seems to help, but later that night the throbbing returns. If it\u2019s gone the next day, let\u2019s call it a fluke. If you haven\u2019t found relief a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":115,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157,95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ask-a-doctor","category-orthopedics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nShould I see a doctor: Lower back pain - MultiCare Vitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Finding yourself hunched over as pain shoots down your back? 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