The Do's and Dont's of Acute Low Back Pain

• Ice the area of pain and ice it often. Read and follow my instructions for the therapeutic application of ice.
  
• Do not sit if you can avoid it, if you must sit then only for short periods and no more than thirty minutes maximum.
  
• If you were prescribed a lumbar brace then wear it when you are up and about and even when sleeping if warranted.
  
• NO exercise, this means no upper or lower body work with weights or aerobic workouts until cleared for it.
  
• No lifting at all.
  
• Do not rest on the couch, only the bed or floor.
  
• Eat light, you want to avoid getting constipated.
  
• Do not strain on the toilet, this could greatly aggravate you.
  
• Avoid sexual activity until the pain is gone.