Back Pain
Most back pain will go away in a few weeks without treatment.
Patient info and self-care advice:
- First, it's important to understand back pain
- Escape fear-avoidance behaviors and stay active
- See the Rx3 resources to see what exercises, mobility and stretches could help
- You can apply heat or cold to the area that hurts; but sometimes, it’s a sign of a problem
- Talk to your supervisor; explain you've injured yourself and ask for a short reprieve from activities that hurt you
- Over the counter medications are not recommended as a first line action. If Rx3 resources aren't effective, you can pick up medications directly from the MDG pharmacy without an appointment
Send your PCM a MHS GENESIS Patient Portal Message or visit Urgent Care if you have:
- Constant pain or pain not improved after two weeks
- Pain that spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes past your knee
- Pain with weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Pain plus unexplained weight loss
- Pain with swelling or redness on your back
- Pain with a fever
- Upcoming deployment or PCS within 1-2 months