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What's the Best Way to Cope With Back Pain?

By Chris Woolston
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVE

It all starts when you slip on a sidewalk, try to lift a child, or bend down to pick up a newspaper. But where does it end? According to the Mayo Clinic, four out of five adults suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The good news is that the pain almost always fades quickly, especially for people who know how to take care of their backs. How much do you know about coping with back pain? Take this short quiz to find out.


1. Which of these common remedies is LEAST likely to ease back pain?

a. Extended bed rest
b. Ice pack
c. Regular doses of aspirin
d. Heating pad

2. How long should most people with back pain wait before returning to their normal activities?

a. As little as possible
b. One week
c. Two weeks
d. One month

3. How long should most people with back pain uncomplicated by fever, numbness, or another warning sign wait before seeing a doctor?

a. Three days
b. One week
c. Three weeks
d. Six weeks

4. Exercises can help prevent backaches, but they probably won't ease a sudden bout of pain.

True
False

5. Self-care is usually ineffective for sciatica -- pain that shoots from the back to a leg -- making surgery the only real option for relief.

True
False

6. If you're slightly overweight, you can probably blame your back pain on those extra pounds.

True
False



First published Mar 24, 2003


Last updated May 27, 2008


Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive, a CVS Caremark company

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