The duration of acute low back pain is less than 3 months. If you have recently started to have low back pain, there's a good likelihood that it will get better within a few weeks. Nearly all low back pain will improve if you take the following steps:

• Put an ice on the segment of pain for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day or as often as once every hour. Instead of ice you can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables enveloped in a thin towel. Subsequent to 2 to 3 days of ice, turn to heat for 15 or 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. For that you can take a hot shower or use a heating pad or hot water bottle. In addition you may want to try exchanging between heat and cold.

• In case of severe pain take pain medicine, for example acetaminophen (Tylenol) or medicines that reduce pain, swelling and irritation, as well as ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, naproxen - such as Aleve or Naprosyn - and ketoprofen. These medicines as a rule work best if you take them on a regular basis rather than waiting until the pain is severe.

• During the first day or two, relax in a comfortable position. At that, try lying on your side on your back on the floor with a pillow between your knees. Do not stay in one position for too long, though. Every 2 or 3 hours take a short walk - about 10 to 20 minutes - then find a comfortable position to rest again.

• As soon as possible, get back to your normal activities. Constant movement helps your muscles stay strong. Staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can actually make your problem worse.

Walking is the simplest and possibly the best exercise for the low back. Your can get a piece of advice from your doctor or a physical therapist concerning can more specific exercises that will help your back muscles get stronger. It may include a series of simple exercises under the general name - core stabilization. The muscles of your trunk or core support your spine; consequently strengthening these muscles can improve your posture, keep your body in better balance and reduce your possibility of injury.

A good number of people have at least one repeat incident of low back pain. If you have had low back pain, keep in mind that your back is now more susceptible than before. Keep your stomach and back muscles strong, lift properly and use good posture.

Among treatment choices for acute low back pain you can give your preference to spinal manipulation or spinal manual therapy, general aim of which is to boost a joint's range of motion. Spinal manipulation can be completed by a chiropractor, osteopathic doctor or some physical therapists or physiatrists.

New research suggests that a short program of instruction in pain management-addressing how to deal with usual daily activities, how to deal with worries about back pain and overcoming fear of causing pain - can also be an effective treatment for low back pain.