The doctor will ask questions about your past health, symptoms, and work and physical activities. He or she will also do a physical exam. Your answers and the exam can help the doctor rule out a serious cause for the pain. In most cases, doctors are able to recommend treatment after the first exam.

Most people do not need further testing. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are not helpful for diagnosing most episodes of Low Back Pain. In most cases, they are only used if the doctor suspects a serious problem, such as a Herniated Disc, a broken bone, or cancer, or if surgery is being considered or planned. You might also have imaging tests if worker's compensation or a lawsuit is involved.

How is it treated?

Most Low Back Pain will improve with the following treatment:

• Apply ice for the first 2 or 3 days after you hurt your back, then switch to heat. Use an ice pack for 5 to 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. After a couple of days, use a heating pad or take a hot shower for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) or an anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin, for example). These medicines usually work best if you take them on a regular schedule instead of waiting until the pain is severe.
• For the first day or two, rest in a comfortable position. Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees. Or lie on your back on the floor with a pillow under your knees.
• As soon as possible, get back to your normal activities. Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can weaken your muscles and make the problem worse.

Walking is the simplest and maybe the best exercise for the lower back. It gets your blood moving and helps your muscles stay strong. Start with easy walks of 5 to 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase your time. Walking in water up to your waist or chest is also good exercise.

A doctor or physical therapist can recommend more specific exercises to help your back muscles get stronger. These may include a series of simple exercises called core stabilization. The muscles of your trunk, or core, support your spine. Strengthening these muscles can improve your posture, keep your body in better balance, and lower your chance of injury.

Some people get relief from pain by using treatments such as massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture. Certain treatments work for some people but not for others. You may need to try different things to see which work best for you.