Information for Your Lower Back Pain Treatment with Voltaren (Diclofenac)
What You Need to Know About Your Condition
Your lower back pain from shoveling has an excellent prognosis—most patients experience substantial improvement within the first month, and you should expect to recover well. 1
- This type of acute lower back pain typically resolves on its own with appropriate self-care and activity modification 2
- Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are not needed at this stage and won't speed up your recovery 1
How to Take Your Voltaren (Diclofenac)
Take diclofenac 50 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for pain relief, using it at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. 3
- The standard dosing for acute pain is 50 mg three times daily, though twice daily dosing may be sufficient for your needs 3
- Take it with food to minimize stomach upset 3
- Use this medication for only a few days to 1-2 weeks maximum—there is no evidence supporting longer use for acute back pain 2
Important Safety Considerations for Your Age
At 70 years old, you face higher risks from NSAIDs like diclofenac, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and heart complications. 4
- Before continuing this medication, your doctor should have assessed your cardiovascular, kidney, and stomach/intestinal risk factors 2, 4
- Watch for warning signs including: black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness 4
- Your kidneys process medications differently at your age, which can prolong drug effects 4
- If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers, discuss these with your doctor immediately 2, 4
What You Should Do (More Important Than Medication)
Stay active and avoid bed rest—remaining active speeds recovery while bed rest delays it and makes outcomes worse. 1, 2
- Return to your normal daily activities as soon as you can tolerate them 1
- If you need to rest due to severe pain, limit it to brief periods and get moving again as soon as possible 1
- Gentle movement and walking are beneficial, even if uncomfortable initially 2
Apply heat to your lower back using heating pads or heated blankets for short-term pain relief. 1, 2
- Heat application is a safe, effective self-care option that complements your medication 2, 4
- Use for 15-20 minute sessions several times daily as needed 2
Alternative or Additional Options
If diclofenac causes stomach upset or you have risk factors making NSAIDs unsafe, acetaminophen (Tylenol) up to 4000 mg daily is the safer first-line alternative for someone your age. 4
- Acetaminophen has a more favorable safety profile in elderly patients, though it provides slightly less pain relief than NSAIDs 1, 4
- Do not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours from all sources (check if other medications contain acetaminophen) 4
- Your doctor should monitor your liver function if using maximum doses 4
When to Seek Further Help
Contact your doctor if:
- Pain persists beyond 4 weeks despite treatment 2
- You develop leg pain, numbness, or weakness 1
- You experience bowel or bladder control problems 1
- You have fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats 1
- You develop any of the warning signs mentioned in the safety section above 4
What NOT to Do
- Do not stay in bed or severely restrict your activities—this worsens outcomes 2, 5
- Do not continue diclofenac beyond 1-2 weeks without reassessment 2
- Do not combine diclofenac with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen 2
- Do not assume you need imaging tests—they don't improve recovery for acute back pain without red flag symptoms 1
The Bottom Line
While diclofenac can provide modest pain relief, the most important factors for your recovery are staying active and applying heat—these evidence-based self-care measures are as important as medication for acute lower back pain. 1, 2 Given your age, use diclofenac cautiously and for the shortest duration possible, watching carefully for side effects. 4