Service path for people with lower back pain
My back hurts
Sudden lower back pain is common and often harmless. The majority of this type of pain is classified as non-specific, which means no exact cause can be found for it. The pain may be local or radiating to the lower limb(s). Most lower back pain improves over a period of a few days or weeks. It is important to keep moving and avoid long periods of sedentary activity. Recurrence of back pain is common. In the case of recurring back pain, it’s also important to be active and engage in meaningful physical activity.You can learn about back pain treatment here: Alaselkäkivun hoito(external link)
The guides below provides additional important information about lower back pain.
You can treat acute lower back pain with short-term pain medication. Instructions on taking pain medication are available here:
Kipulääkkeet - Terveyskirjasto(external link)
Positional therapy may also help to alleviate the pain. Find the most pain-free position possible and try to relax into that position while breathing deeply. You can try the resting positions shown in the examples below.
Alaselän lepoasennot 1 - Terveyskirjasto(external link)
Self-care instructions to support people with back pain
When your back is painful, it’s a good idea to continue your regular daily activities despite the pain. Bed rest is not recommended for back pain. You can engage in light physical activity right away if it feels good. Examples of light physical activity include walking, cycling, swimming and aqua jogging. You don’t need to stop your hobbies – instead, you can make your workouts easier and do the movements that are possible.
When the pain begins to ease, you should return to your normal hobbies. You can try the instructions below if some type of movement feels stiff and you need help restoring mobility. Start the movements gently and listen to your body.
If you wish to obtain more information about pain, you can visit the site below.
The videos below are intended to support your self-training.
When do you need to see a health care professional?
If necessary, contact a physiotherapist first. A physiotherapist can assess the nature of the back pain and inform you about pain treatment.
Physiotherapists are musculoskeletal professionals who are best able to help with your back pain. You don’t need a referral from a physician to see a physiotherapist. Click on the link below to see the contact information for physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy | Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County
If you have general symptoms in addition to back pain, such as fever, weight loss and/or you feel sick, you can contact the appointment services at your health centre. Progressive muscle weakness/numbness in the lower limbs, urinary retention, stool incontinence or reduced sensation in the pelvic floor and inner thighs, significant trauma, active cancer and osteoporosis are also reasons to contact the health centre. Click on the link below to see the contact information for the health centres.
Health centres and appointment services | Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County
Lifestyle guidance
Recurrence of back pain is common. You can prevent the pain from recurring by taking care of your lifestyle and your well-being.
If you want to receive comprehensive support with lifestyles, go to the Painonhallintatalo (Weight management hub, available in Finnish and Swedish) website https://www.terveyskyla.fi/painonhallinta(external link). The self-care section provides diverse information on, for example, sleep and stress management.
If you feel like you need help getting started with exercise, you can contact the physical activity counselling service in your area. You can find the contact details for physical activity counselling here:
Click on the following links to find the contact details for the physical activity counselling service in your municipality:
Espoo physical activity counselling(external link)
Hanko physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Inkoo physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Karkkila exercise counselling(external link) (only in Finnish)
Kauniainen physical activity counselling - website under development
Kirkkonummi physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Lohja physical activity counselling(external link)
Raasepori physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Siuntio physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Vihti physical activity counselling(external link) (only in Finnish)