What are some common treatments for chronic back pain?

Answer 1

There is information online which helps you manage your chronic pain. The following URL from WebMD is the best website I know about chronic pain: www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/chronic-pain-medicationsCached - Similar.

Answer 2

Many community colleges have courses for becoming a Physicians Assistant. They offer classroom work, as well as hands-on, practical teaching of the skills required to become a successful Physicians Assistant.

Answer 3

Millions suffer from it and struggle to keep it under control- lower Back pain. Though there may be a range of causes for lower back pain, there are many treatments that can effectively help people manage this ailment.

Medication

Medication, both prescribed and over-the-counter, seems to be the most common solution for lower back pain sufferers, although this treatment is usually short-lived. Many prescription drugs, such as Loritab can also be a risky way to manage back pain and can lead to drug dependency. However, there are many options for treating lower back pain when it comes to medication aside from taking narcotic prescriptions. It is common for physicians to prescribe a short-term prescription of muscle relaxers combined with less addictive pain medications or steroid-based prescription drugs to effectively relieve lower back pain issues caused by muscle spasms.

Physical Therapy

Choosing physical therapy can be a great way to find more long-term relief for lower back pain. There are many chiropractors as well as physical therapy clinics that assist people more personally in treating back pain through implementing a treatment plan. While this is usually a more ongoing and time consuming alternative, the results can be long-lasting and much more effective.

Some of the more common physical therapies for treating lower back pain include:

• Massage
• Electronic Muscle Stimulation or EMS
• Hot or Cold Therapies (In Some Cases Both Are Used)
• Exercises Targeted To Strengthen The Back
• Alignment
• Ultrasound

Alternative Medicine

Some lower back pain sufferers have found alternative medicine to be effective. Though controversial, many people have sworn by the results of therapies such as hypnosis, herbal medicine and acupuncture. No matter how many medical professionals might disagree, what works for some in relieving back pain has obviously been the answer for them and an open mind is important when attempting to find a solution for lower back pain.

Surgery

Seeking surgical treatment for lower back pain can be a difficult decision, but for those who experience ongoing, excruciating lower back pain, it may seem like there is no other choice, especially when the pain is caused by intense injury that may be reversable or conditions that can be improved through surgery.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to treating lower back pain, all of which have been effective depending on the sufferers exact situation. It is important to research the options to come up with the best answer.

Answer 4

Understanding what kind of lower back pain a person has will determine their treatment. Many people suffer from either acute or chronic lower back pain. Lower back pain can be the result of aging, sprains, strains and spasms. A variety of methods will reduce pain and strengthen the back. Diagnosis of the back pain will set up the patient for proper treatment. Knowing how to prevent trauma and have a healthy back will deter lower back pain.

If back pain lasts less than three months, it is acute. Usually a patient can treat themselves unless the pain is excruciating. Doctors can prescribe pain killers or muscle relaxants if this is the case. Home treatment of acute pain is varied but mostly involves first aid, medicine and exercise. Doctors want back pain sufferers to walk for at least twenty minutes every couple of hours. Lying down too much will most often make back pain worse.

Chronic back pain does not go away after three months and is debilitating to a person's lifestyle. People who have chronic back aches will try many different methods to manage their pain. Acupuncture, biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, massage and comprehensive rehabilitation are all methods sufferers may want to consider.

There are quite a few other treatments for both types of back pain to help ease the back until it returns to normal. An example of this would be the use of ice and heat alternately. Exercising is necessary for either pain. Surgery is usually only a consideration in serious cases.

Many different conditions and causes can result in lower back pain. Speaking to a doctor about the possible reasons will narrow down the diagnosis. There are many different types of tests a doctor can choose from, to include X-rays, bone scans and ultrasounds. Disorders such as fibromyalgia and diseases such as osteoporosis can be ruled out this way.

Keep the back healthy by taking care of the muscles and bones that support the spinal column. Proper stretching and exercise keeps the core muscles healthy. Having proper posture and lumbar support is essential. A back will be healthy with exercise, eating well and no smoking.

Answer 5

How to Treat Lower Back Pain

There is probably no man or woman alive who hasn't "tweaked" their lower back at some point. The cause might be some lifting that one isn't accustomed to, a sudden jerking twist of the back, an automobile accident that caused some sort of trauma, or an unknown cause that you can't identify. If you've had a sudden onset of back pain that lingers, you know how debilitating it can be. You quickly realize that your lower back assists in nearly every move you make in daily living. So, what can you do to treat the immediate pain and minimize your risk for future flare-ups?

This video is an excellent primer on lower back first aid and offers smart and simple tips you can follow to help prevent recurrence. In the video, Alexander Lee, MD, of the Beth Israel Medical Center Spine Institute outlines the basic treatment for acute back pain and offers advice regarding when it's time to see a doctor about your back. Dr. Lee goes on to explain why it is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the back on an ongoing basis in order to avoid recurrent or more serious injury.

Answer 6

How to Treat Lower Back Pain

There is probably no man or woman alive who hasn't "tweaked" their lower back at some point. The cause might be some lifting that one isn't accustomed to, a sudden jerking twist of the back, an automobile accident that caused some sort of trauma, or an unknown cause that you can't identify. If you've had a sudden onset of back pain that lingers, you know how debilitating it can be. You quickly realize that your lower back assists in nearly every move you make in daily living. So, what can you do to treat the immediate pain and minimize your risk for future flare-ups?

This video is an excellent primer on lower back first aid and offers smart and simple tips you can follow to help prevent recurrence. In the video, Alexander Lee, MD, of the Beth Israel Medical Center Spine Institute outlines the basic treatment for acute back pain and offers advice regarding when it's time to see a doctor about your back. Dr. Lee goes on to explain why it is important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the back on an ongoing basis in order to avoid recurrent or more serious injury.

Answer 7

Some common treatments for chronic back pain include massage, joint alignment, and tens thearpy. Physical therapy and injections may also help. Surgery is usually a last resort.