When your back “goes out,” it typically refers to a sudden and severe pain in your lower back that immobilizes you and prevents you from completing basic motions or performing your daily activities. This type of pain is caused by one of several common medical conditions, such as sciatica, a herniated disk, or a strained muscle. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes these conditions and how to best approach treating them.
What Causes a Backs Going Out?
There are three primary causes of the sudden and incapacitating back pain that is referred to as “going out”: a pulled muscle, sciatica, and a herniated disk.
Pulled Muscles
A pulled muscle is a common cause of back pain. This occurs when a muscle contracts too powerfully or ligaments and tendons stretching to the point of strain or tearing. This can often be the result of an abrupt movement, such as lifting a heavy weight or incorrectly using a gym machine.
Sciatica
Sciatica is an intense, radiating pain along your sciatic nerve. This condition is typically caused by a herniated disk that is pressing against your sciatic nerve. It often begins in the lower back and extends to the back of your legs. An episode of sciatica can be debilitating and may cause numbness and tingling in the lower extremities.
Herniated Disks
When a disk in your lower back is worn out or slips out of place, it can squeeze the surrounding nerves, leading to debilitating pain. Other common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical advice to determine the exact cause.
Treatment for Going Out Of Back
The primary methods of treatment for a “going out” episode are aimed at reducing the inflammation and swelling of the affected area, as well as alleviating the pain. Depending on the severity of the condition and its cause, the following treatments may be recommended:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to strengthen and improve joint mobility, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve nerve function. The therapist may also recommend exercises and stretches to help improve your back health.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs can reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. These are available over-the-counter, or can be prescribed depending on the severity of the condition.
Corticosteroids
In some cases, a doctor might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation. These are usually injected into the area directly, and tend to provide relief for longer periods of time than other treatments.
People Also Ask
What does it feel like when your back goes out?
When your back “goes out,” it usually presents as a sharp, shooting pain that is localized and debilitating. You may not be able to move or stand without feeling excruciating pain.
Can you treat going out of your back?
Yes, the symptoms and effects of a “going out” episode can be managed with physical therapy, NSAIDs and sometimes corticosteroids. However, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure the cause of the condition is properly identified and treated.
What can you do if your back goes out?
If your back “goes out,” the best course of action is to rest and apply ice to the affected area. You should also consult with a doctor to properly diagnose and treat the underlying condition.
When is the best time to see a doctor for back pain?
You should seek medical advice if you experience persistent or intense back pain, or if your back pain is accompanied by tingling, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or muscle weakness.
Final Thoughts
It is normal to experience back pain at some point, but if your back “goes out,” it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to seek advice from your doctor and follow their recommendation for treatment. You may need to rest, use cold or hot compresses, or take medication to reduce the swelling and pain. In some cases, physical therapy can also be beneficial. By properly managing and treating the underlying condition that caused your back to go out, you can prevent future episodes from occurring.