Back Pain Treatment

Are you looking for a back pain cure? In reality, a true cure for back pain does not exist for most of us.

Although it is one of the most common medical problems in health care, back pain is also one of the most difficult to treat. However, there are a number of back pain treatments available, one or more of which may provide you with long term relief, or at a minimum, some short term comfort.

Many treatments for back pain relief have also been found to be highly effective when used to prevent back pain. Understanding how the two can work hand-in-hand, and what your body best responds too, may significantly help you in overcoming your own pain.

Often Recommended Treatment for Back Pain

The following methods often serve as lower back pain treatment, as well as treatment for upper back pain and middle back pain. Figuring out the best pain relief can be a matter of trial and error.  But, with time you may be able to identify one or more methods that work well for you.

Don't risk serious injury! Since response to back pain treatment varies by individual, the best treatment for chronic back pain OR a one-time incident should be determined by your doctor.

Exercise for back pain treatment. Although rest and ice therapy may be the initial recommendation for back pain, becoming active and returning to everyday activities is usually highly recommended. Your doctor may suggest that you visit a physical therapist who can recommend exercise tailored to an assessment of your situation.

To promote healing and prevent further injury, your physical therapist may suggest exercises such as:

• back stretching exercise
• back strengthening exercises
• posture exercises
• upper back exercises

Based on my own experience...
Even if your time or budget will only allow a couple of visits to a physical therapist there is nothing more effective than having someone who can show you "hands-on" how to perform exercises the "right" way.

Chiropractor care for back pain treatment. Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, use alternative medicine to treat health problems of the musculoskeletal system and their effects on the nervous system. Many chiropractic treatments deal specifically with manual manipulation of the spine and other joints and soft tissue. Chiropractic medicine is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many other conditions.

In addition to manual manipulation chiropractors often make use of heat or ice therapy, ultrasound treatments and other methods used by physical therapists. Their treatment may also include recommendation for a home exercise program.

Although I have been treated by chiropractors using various methods, I am partial to those who use the Activator Method, whereby a low-force adjustment is done with an Activator Adjusting Instrument.

You can read more about the Activator Method and find a chiropractor who is proficient with this technique at: www.activator.com.

Acupuncture describes a family of procedures, involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body, through a variety of techniques. The process familiar to many people involves the insertion and manipulation of fine needles into specific points on the body, for the purpose of relieving pain.

How do you find an acupuncture practitioner? Your physician may be able to provide a referral. If not, and you are looking on your own, keep in mind...

• Most states require licensing for practitioners. Although a license does not determine quality of care, it should indicate that certain standards have been met.
• Do not rely on a diagnosis from an acupuncture practitioner, unless they are additionally licensed as a medical doctor.

Massage therapy for back pain treatment. Massage therapy, sometimes referred to as bodywork treatment, is a general term used to cover a variety of disciplines administered by a trained therapist. These disciplines involve the manipulation of soft tissue, the muscles, tendons and ligaments, for therapeutic purposes.

The Touch Research Institute, in Miami, Florida, has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy, on many functions and medical conditions, in many different age groups. A decrease in pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and cortisol levels are among the significant findings from research conducted on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Additionally, these patients reportedly slept better.

Relaxation techniques for back pain treatment. Could stress be causing your back pain? According the John E. Sarno, M.D., author of Healing Back Pain, it is not only possible, but quite likely. He writes, "It has been my observation that the majority of these pain syndromes are a result of a condition in the muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments brought on by tension."

If this is the case, perhaps some stress relief activities may be beneficial in relieving back pain. You may want to try:

• meditation
• walking
• yoga
• Pilates
• listening to music
• massage therapy
• gardening

Are back aches and sore back muscles preventing you from relaxing at night when you try to sleep? Could it be your bed? Learn how to sleep in comfort.

Medication for back pain treatment. Various prescription or over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen or muscle relaxants may be prescribed for back pain relief. Since even over-the-counter medications can have side-effects, and at times should not be taken in combination with other medication, it's important to check with your doctor to find out what will work best for you.

Surgery for back pain treatment. There are circumstances in which surgery may be inevitable, but for the most part you shouldn't be concerned that surgery will be what your doctor recommends. What if it is? Educate yourself as well as possible as to the procedure and possible side-effects, AND when appropriate obtain a second, or even third opinion.

Pamper your back! Do good things for your back and your back will thank you for it!