1) Get rest 

Rest is very crucial for patients with episodic attacks of back pain. Rest here may involve going home and lying down for a few hours, or it may be as simple as keeping the back straight and avoiding further stress to the back in the form of bending, lifting and sitting.

In severe attacks, lying down for a day or two may significantly reduce the severity of the pain. If it does not, then further bedrest is not helpful.

2) Do physical therapy exercises 

Physical therapy is very important in the treatment and prevention of low back pain.

In the initial period of acute back pain, combinations of heat, traction, manual treatment, and other techniques may help to rapidly reduce the severity of pain and stiffness.

As pain subsides, exercises, to relieve stress and strengthen the back ,are gradually introduced. Regularity of such exercises can help to further reduce the pain, as well as protect the back from unhealthy stress and recurrent attacks of pain.

3) Take medication

Different types of medications may be prescribed for different types of back pain.

In acute sciatica or leg pain associated with back disorders, the acute irritation of the nerve may be reduced by taking NSAIDS regularly for a short period of time. NSAIDS are often prescribed purely for pain relief rather than for anti-inflammatory effects. It is based on an as-required basis.

These drugs are to be avoided if there is a history of allergy and kidney problems. In most cases, NSAIDS are well-tolerated, though most of them provoke gastric symptoms. The doctor must always be consulted.

Muscle relaxants help to reduce muscle spasm and stiffness that occurs during a pain attack. Sedatives and tranquilisers may be taken at night to ensure a restful sleep.

4) Use pain-relief products

Ice packs, hot packs or heating lamps, ointments that usually contain methyl-salicylate and medicated plasters of various kinds may help.

Doing this simple back stretch can help to provide relief for lower back pain! Go ahead and try it!

• Pay attention to your body. 
  • If something you are doing causes your back to hurt, stop and rest or stop altogether.
    
    
  • Try to modify the activity so that it is less likely to strain the back
    
    
• Interrupt a repetitive task frequently by standing and stretching. 
  • This helps to reduce the stress on the back from building up to critical levels
    
    
• Be sure your back and neck are properly supported when you sit or sleep.
  • Get expert help in choosing your mattress and pillows. You can upset the alignment of your spine if a mattress is too soft, or a pillow too high.
    
    
• Lose weight.
  • If your weight is putting excessive pressure on your spine, weight loss can reduce your discomfort.
    
    
• Lift objects properly.
  • Always bend your knees so your arms are at the same level as the heavy object you plan to lift.
    
    
• Exercise is vital for a healthy spine.
  • If you have never been in the habit of doing exercise or if you already have an injury to your spine, talk to your doctor or physical therapist before you start on an exercise routine.
    
    
  • Exercise programmes must be balanced to exercise all parts of the body, including the back.
    
    
  • Exercises should be done frequently in measured doses.

Early medical attention is necessary if certain symptoms are present:

• Constant pain with no significant relief at rest.
  
  
• Aggravated by bending in all directions.
  
  
• Localisable severe pain to a single spot on the back.
  
  
• Progressively severe pain over days/weeks.
  
  
• Persistent nerve pains, pain or sensation of numbness, pins & needles aching in one or both legs.
  
  
• Weakness of legs, difficulty in walking, unsteady walking.
  
  
• Bladder/bowel problems associated with back pain (difficulty in passing urine - incontinence).
  
  
• General symptoms of poor health, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fever and chills.
  
  
• Previous history of cancer.