Question

Jim age 22, a stock boy has an acute episode of LBP. You order an NSAID and tell him which of the following:

A) Maintain moderate bedrest for 3 to 4 days
B) Call the office for narcotic meds if there is no relief with the NSAID after 24-48 hours
C) Begin lower back strengthening exercises depending upon pain tolerance
D) Wear a Boston Brace

Answer 1

Jim should start with lower back strengthening exercises based on pain tolerance rather than extended bedrest or immediate use of a Boston Brace. If NSAIDs are ineffective after 24-48 hours, it is advised to contact the medical office for further guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

For Jim, aged 22, experiencing an acute episode of lower back pain (LBP) and prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the best advice is to begin lower back strengthening exercises depending upon pain tolerance. Moderate bedrest is no longer the recommended approach for acute LBP as it may actually slow recovery. If NSAIDs do not provide relief after 24-48 hours, it is important to contact the office for further evaluation rather than immediately seeking narcotic medications, which carry risks of side effects and addiction. The use of a Boston Brace is not typically indicated for non-specific acute LBP. It is critical that Jim monitors his symptoms, and if there is no improvement or if symptoms worsen, he should seek medical attention for possibly more targeted treatments.