There are many different types of back pain and a wide variety of treatment options to treat each. Pain in the back can interfere with everyday activities, work, and even your enjoyment of life. Some episodes of back pain are temporary, while others can be chronic. A physician specializing in spinal health can diagnose the cause and recommend the right treatment plan for you.You may want to check out Orlando joint pain treatment for more.
Nonsurgical treatment for back pain usually consists of pain medication, reducing inflammation, and restoring proper strength and function. It also helps prevent recurrence of the injury. Fortunately, most people recover from back pain without significant functional loss. However, if you experience severe pain and cannot recover on your own within 72 hours, see your doctor to determine whether the pain is caused by an unexpected injury.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment for back pain. This type of therapy teaches patients to develop positive thinking. Patients learn to set activity goals and work towards them. A psychologist or physical therapist may perform this therapy. Alternatively, a patient may try acupuncture or TENS machine treatments. In addition to pain medication, back pain sufferers may also benefit from physical therapy.
In some cases, back surgery may be necessary. A herniated disc can press on a spinal cord or nerve root and cause intense pain. If this is the case, a microdiscectomy may be an option. This procedure requires a very small incision and helps patients recover quickly. However, this option is only recommended for those with a herniated disc that has not responded to other treatments.
The physician will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the problem. Other tests may also be necessary to diagnose the cause of the pain. In addition to X-rays, physicians may perform MRI scans or CT scans. In some cases, blood tests are also used to determine the underlying cause of back pain. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of back pain.
Back pain treatment can vary greatly depending on the cause. Sometimes, a simple injury will go away within a week or two, while a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other medical conditions can lead to chronic pain. A physician can recommend pain medication or prescribe an assistive device to help a patient move about.
Common OTC medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may help with pain in the back. For those with chronic pain, a physician may prescribe stronger medications, such as antidepressants or narcotics. If these methods do not work, a physical therapist can help you learn how to modify your movements to reduce pain.
Other types of treatment for back pain include acupuncture and biofeedback techniques. While these techniques are not supported by clinical practice guidelines, a 2013 review of studies published in Spine suggests that acupuncture may be helpful for back pain. Another form of mind-body therapy, biofeedback involves using electrical sensors to monitor subtle changes in the body. A recent meta-analysis in Spine found that biofeedback can help patients decrease the intensity of pain and muscle tension associated with back pain.