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DON'T PANIC
The severity of the pain is not usually an indicator of how serious
the injury is. Most people who are in extremely acute pain have simple
protective muscle spasm which can usually be relieved quite quickly.
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USE ICE
Inflammation is always present in an acute condition. This causes
the joints to swell and to be very painful. Use ice to minimise the
inflammatory response and help to reduce the secondary effects of
an injury. Place a cold gel pack (if you have one) or a packet of
frozen peas, wrapped in a thin tea towel, over the painful area. Apply
it for 15 minutes at a time with at least 1 hour between. Do not use,
without proper medical advice, if you are diabetic or if you have
poor circulation. The use of heat will increase the inflammation and
can make things worse, this includes wallowing in a hot bath.
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KEEP MOBILE
At least, as mobile as you can. If you can you should get up and move
around at regular intervals. If you remain still for too long you
will seize up and prolong the agony.
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REST AS COMFORTABLY AS YOU CAN
Find the position that is most comfortable for you. There is no right
or wrong just do whatever feels best. For most people lying
on your back with your knees bent up and supported is fairly comfortable.
Lying on a hard surface with your legs out straight will tend to increase
the loads at the base of your back.
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ACCEPT HELP
Don't be proud. Let family or friends look after you you can
always return the compliment later.
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LISTEN TO YOUR BACK
Pain is a warning sign. Your body is telling you that you have already
or are about to cause damage. If what you are doing hurts then STOP.
Do not try to push through the pain.
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USE MEDICATION WISELY
All drugs have side effects so they should be used wisely. The use
of pain killers (paracetamol, cocodomol etc.) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (nurofen, brufen, diclofenac etc.) only helps to mask the symptoms
and not to sort out the problem. Do not take medication to take you
through the pain so that you can do something, you will only make
matters worse.
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CONSULT YOUR CHIROPRACTOR
The earlier you are seen the better. That way any underlying mechanical
problem can be sorted out, the injury can be treated and the healing
processes started. An acute injury is usually the result of a chronic
underlying condition that you may not have been aware of. The acute
pain comes on when you overload the system that one time too many.
This needs to be identified and corrected to help prevent any future
recurrences.