1. Slideshow: Low Back Pain
2. Take the Back Pain Quiz!
3. Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain

Medical Author:

Andrew Jenis, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Follow the instructions exactly as given by the doctor, and ask questions if you are unsure what to do.

• Take the medications as prescribed.
• Apply ice for the first week. A good rule of thumb is to place the ice in a bag, wrap the bag with a towel, and then apply the ice for 15-20 minutes every hour. After the first week, either ice or heat may be applied. Apply the one that makes the injury feel better. Applying heat in the first few days after an injury draws more blood to the injury site, thus increasing swelling and pain.
• Avoid strenuous and painful activities until approved by your doctor.
• See your doctor frequently to ensure that the bones are healing.

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