Chronic Pain:Low Back Pain
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What You Need to Know
Video: Perspectives on Low Back Pain
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I SurvivedWhat back pain has taught me
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Physical Therapy Can HelpHow PT tackles back pain
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Is Surgery a Good Choice?What to ask your doctor
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I Didn't Want SurgeryIt's hard to disagree with your doctor
( 1:16 )
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Spine Surgeon Richard Guyer Gives Straightforward Answers to Questions About Back Pain
Dr. Richard Guyer
Orthopedic surgeon at the Texas Back Institute
Q: When should I see a doctor about low back pain, and when can I treat it at home?
A: In most cases for an acute episode, resting a day or two, intermittent ice on the back, and ibuprofen—that is good first aid. If after a few days it’s not beginning to feel better or you have neurological symptoms—weakness, numbness, loss of bladder control—you need to see a physician. We know that 70% [of people] will get better in two to three weeks, 90% will get better within three months, and a small percentage will end up having some chronic back pain. Between 80% and 90% of people will have at least one episode of acute back pain in their lifetime; about one-third may experience intermittent pain throughout their life. Most first episodes will get better in a few days. Read More
A: In most cases for an acute episode, resting a day or two, intermittent ice on the back, and ibuprofen—that is good first aid. If after a few days it’s not beginning to feel better or you have neurological symptoms—weakness, numbness, loss of bladder control—you need to see a physician. We know that 70% [of people] will get better in two to three weeks, 90% will get better within three months, and a small percentage will end up having some chronic back pain. Between 80% and 90% of people will have at least one episode of acute back pain in their lifetime; about one-third may experience intermittent pain throughout their life. Most first episodes will get better in a few days. Read More
4 Specialists That Can Help Your Back and How to Pick One
From chiropractors to neurosurgeons, how to sort through your options
Low back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, so family doctors see a lot of back pain patients. But if four to six weeks of painkillers and exercise therapy doesn't help a patient, it may be time for a specialist... Read More
I Survived a Life of Too Much Pain and No Sleep
Years after a car accident wrecked her back, Pat fought for and found relief
After injuring her back in a car accident, Pat Skiba lived with the kind of pain most of us couldn't imagine. She survived on painkillers and without sleep. Finally she forced her doctor to take her pain seriously and fought a one-woman battle to find relief... Read More
How One Couple Works Together to Conquer Chronic Back Pain
Learning how to manage the pain and manage to stay connected
Dealing with chronic pain can strain the strongest of relationships. Jan and her husband, Bill, have lived through five years of Jan's debilitating back pain. Jan's journey for pain relief has been hard on this athletic couple and their family. Here, Jan and Bill open up about how divisive and isolating pain can be and what they do to bridge that divide and stay strong together... Read More
