Back pain affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Also, the pain and discomfort experienced can vary from acute, sub-acute, and chronic.
Different factors can also increase a person’s risk of back pain, such as their body height, occupational posture, mood, weight, and age.
If you are suffering from back pain, you likely want to alleviate the issue as soon as possible. To do so, read this rundown of the best treatments for back pain.
Medication
If you’re struggling with painful or debilitating back pain, book an appointment with your doctor for a diagnosis. To identify the cause of your discomfort, you may need to undergo an x-ray, MRI or CT scan, bone scan, blood tests, or nerve studies.
Depending on their diagnosis, a doctor may recommend you take specific medications, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs
- Muscle relaxants
- Topical pain relievers, such as ointments, patches, creams, or salves
- Prescription drugs that contain opioids
- Antidepressants
Physical Therapy
If over-the-counter or prescription medications prove ineffective, physical therapy could provide a solution to your back pain. A qualified physical therapist will discuss your complaint before recommending exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, transform your posture, and improve your flexibility. Plus, they may suggest changes to your movements and provide advice on how to avoid a flare-up.
Hot & Cold Packs
Don’t underestimate the power of hot and cold packs when it comes to initial back pain. When the discomfort strikes, applying heat to the area can ease your suffering. Good sources of heat include a hot water bottle or a hot bath.
Short-term use of cold can also decrease your pain. For example, you could apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to the area. However, never place ice directly onto your skin to avoid a cold burn. Instead, wrap a frozen bag of vegetables or ice in a clean towel or cloth before applying it to your skin. If heat or cold don’t work, alternate between the two to decrease your pain and discomfort.
A Back Support
People living with various back conditions could benefit from a back brace, such as those suffering from muscular tension, fractures, osteoarthritis, and scoliosis. The brace will provide your back with greater support while improving your posture, which is why it is perfect for treating pain or preventing an injury.
If you’re unsure about the best back support product for your needs, podobrace provides a wide variety of options that offer varying levels of protection. For instance, you could benefit from a posture corrector, rib support, or industrial back support.
Surgery or Various Medical Procedures
Unfortunately, surgery or medical procedures might be the best course of action for specific back conditions, such as a slipped disc or sciatica. Of course, surgery and certain medical procedures should always be a last resort once other treatment options haven’t worked.
If a doctor believes surgery is the best way forward, they may recommend you undergo:
- Nerve treatment
- Spinal fusion surgery
- Cortisone injections
- Radiofrequency neurotomy
While the thought of undergoing surgery or a medical procedure might seem scary, it could ease or eliminate your back pain and restore your quality of life.
