Back Pain
Acute musculoskeletal pain
What it is
Back pain is a feeling of stiffness or discomfort in the back. It can occur after physical exertion, after staying in an awkward position for a long time, after a fall, or for no obvious reason. The pain can be very severe and spread down into the legs.
Related sheet available: Back Pain
What you can do at home
What to do
- Rest your back.
- Lie down only to sleep.
- Maintain good, ergonomic posture during daily activities.
- Continue physical activity based on how the pain progresses.
- Choose activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming (no jumping).
Alternate between comfortable positions during daily activities
- When sitting:
- Rest your back firmly against the backrest.
- Place your arms on the armrests.
- Put your feet on a stool so that your knees are higher than your hips.
- Stay in this position for 20 to 50 minutes at most.
- Lie on your back, with a cushion under your head and another under your knees.
- Lie on your side with your knees bent, with a cushion under your head and another between your knees.
- Lie on your back on the floor, in a position that is comfortable for the lower back:
- Rest your legs on a chair so that your hips and knees are bent at about 90 degrees.
- Place a pillow under your head and another under your legs.
- Stay in this position for 5 to 25 minutes.
Relieving pain
- Apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Use a cold compress, such as, an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a cold gel pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source to protect the skin.
- To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
À éviter
- Avoid straining to lift objects that are too heavy.
When to seek medical attention
Pain or weakness in the legs lasting more than 3 days
Back pain caused by an injury (minor trauma), with pain lasting 2 to 4 weeks
Pain that gets worse or does not improve, even after following this advice
Back pain with no known cause (no fall, accident, or trauma) in a person who:
- is under 18 or over 50
- has had cancer
- has lost weight without trying
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Severe back pain that does not improve or gets worse, even after following this advice
Back pain after an accident or trauma (e.g., a car accident)
Fever
A red, swollen back that feels warm, with no recent injury or accident
Back pain with one or more of the following symptoms:
- stomach or chest pain
- difficulty urinating (peeing) or pain when urinating
- blood in the urine (pee)
- unable to move around
- leaking urine or stool (poop) without meaning to
- pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in the legs