Overcoming Low Back Pain: What to Do When You Bend Over and Can't Stand Up
Updated: Nov 2
What should I do if I bent over and can't stand up?
Ice your low back, not heat, and start moving with short, easy walks as soon as you can. Don't lie on the couch all day. Make an appointment with a chiropractor you trust, and if the pain comes with red-flag symptoms (listed below), get emergency medical care first.
Why does my back "go out" from something so small?
It's a tough day at my Plymouth chiropractic office when someone walks in with low back pain and can't stand up straight. It happens more often than you might think.
Many new patients have ignored their symptoms for years, creating workarounds instead of addressing the root cause. Then the tipping point is something trivial, like picking up a pen or a bar of soap. Suddenly they're bent over, rolling on the floor and uttering a few choice words. Then they reach for a heat pack, which can make things worse.
Should I use ice or heat for back pain?
Repeat after me: ice is nice! It doesn't matter what your coworker's wife or your kid's football coach told you. Do NOT apply heat to an acute back injury. No hot tubs, heated car seats or anything warm.
When you first hurt yourself, your muscles weren't contracting enough to support your spine. Heat may feel good for a moment, but it relaxes those muscles further and can worsen your pain. If your doctor recommends heat, it might be time to seek a new one.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Keep moving. The natural instinct is to lie on the couch, but that can lead to more spasms and stiffness.
Start small: walk to the end of your driveway and back. Then do it again.
In acute spasm, I often recommend four 15-minute walks a day.
Patients look at me like I'm torturing them, but it's tough love. The more you sit, the stiffer you'll become.
When is back pain an emergency?
Seek emergency medical care right away if back pain comes with numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or follows a hard fall or accident. Read more in my post When is back pain serious?
How do I find the right chiropractor in Plymouth?
Just because someone can see you right away doesn't mean they're the best choice. Check online reviews, ask for referrals, and keep icing and walking until you can get in.
I've practiced in Plymouth for 27+ years, and I primarily use Motion Palpation (similar to Gonstead), with drop pieces or other gentler options when they fit you better.
Will one chiropractic adjustment fix my back?
Rarely. A common myth is that you'll walk out feeling normal after one visit. If that has happened to you before, consider yourself lucky.
Your chiropractor needs to understand your spine, and that doesn't happen in a quick 15-minute session.
What should I expect after my first few adjustments?
Some temporary soreness during the first few visits is normal. It often means I've found the area that's been causing trouble.
Give care time to work. The spasm came on suddenly, but the underlying problem didn't develop overnight. Along with adjustments, you'll likely need to change some daily habits and strengthen your core. Every case is different, and it depends on your goals, so I build a plan for care around them.
Is back pain a warning sign?
Yes. Ignoring it can sideline you for a long time. If you're struggling, please call me at 763-553-0387 or book online. I'm here to help at my chiropractic office in Plymouth, MN.
Active Family Chiropractic was voted Best Chiropractic Clinic in Plymouth in the 2024 Sun Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards.
FAQ
Should I put ice or heat on a back I just hurt?
Ice. Heat can relax muscles that are already failing to support your spine and make the pain worse. Use an ice pack, not a hot tub or heated seat.
Is it better to rest or walk with a back spasm?
Walk. Short, frequent walks, such as four 15-minute walks a day, help keep spasms and stiffness from building. Long periods of sitting or lying down usually make it stiffer.
Will one chiropractic visit fix my back?
Usually not. Most back problems build over time. Every case is different, and it depends on your goals.
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