Throwing Out Your Back - What Does it Mean?

“Throwing out your back,” a term often accompanied by acute low back pain in the lumbar region, can be distressing. While this condition is generally temporary, there are steps you can take to expedite recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence. Dr. Kade Huntsman, a renowned spine surgeon at St. Mark’s Hospital, provides expert insights into this phenomenon.

Who is Vulnerable to Throwing Out Their Back?

"Incidents of acute back pain can affect anyone, but tend to become more common as we age," says Dr. Kade Huntsman. “Various factors, including physically demanding jobs, extended periods of sitting without proper back support, and poor physical fitness, can increase the risk.”

Understanding the Mechanism: What Happens When You Throw Your Back Out?

"Typically, throwing your back out results from a muscle strain, often triggered by improper lifting or sudden movements," explains Dr. Huntsman. “Muscle spasms are a common cause of pain in this scenario.”

In rare cases, acute lower back pain can be linked to serious issues like infection, fractures, or cancer, especially in individuals over 50 with specific risk factors.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Emergency Symptoms

"Certain symptoms accompanying acute lower back pain require immediate medical attention," emphasizes Dr. Huntsman. “These include leg pain, weakness, or loss of sensation, severe pain significantly limiting daily activities, bladder or bowel control issues, unexplained weight loss, and fever or signs of illness.”

Relief Strategies for Thrown Back Pain

"In most cases, back pain from throwing out your back subsides on its own within 72 hours," says Dr. Huntsman. “During this time, applying ice and using heating pads as needed can help manage the discomfort.”

The Role of Activity in Recovery

"While resting may seem appealing, moderate activity is crucial for recovery," advises Dr. Huntsman. "It stimulates blood flow, enhances flexibility, and prevents spasms."

Preventing Future Back Incidents

"To maintain a healthy lower back, understanding proper body mechanics and regular physical activity are essential," emphasizes Dr. Huntsman.

While it's challenging to predict when or where you might throw out your back, these precautions, combined with expert guidance, can significantly reduce the risk and spare you days of pain.

If you're experiencing persistent or severe back pain, it's essential to consult an expert like Dr. Kade Huntsman. Schedule an appointment at St. Mark’s Hospital to address your concerns and receive personalized guidance.

Schedule an appointment now! Call to Schedule 801-715-4152

Dr. Kade Huntsman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in treatment of the spine and practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Huntsman specializes in advanced, minimally invasive procedures that allow patients to recover faster. He uses the latest generation of high tech robotic assistance during surgery, which allows him to perform fusion surgeries far less invasively and with much more accuracy. Among other spine procedures and conditions, Dr. Huntsman cares for degenerative conditions of the spine. Scoliosis, spine trauma, intricate spinal surgeries such as cervical spine disc replacements, lateral approaches to the lumbar spine, spinal fusion surgeries, microdiskectomy and decompression procedures for nerve roots. You can learn more about Dr. Huntsman here.