Bobbling Good Health

There are many treatments for back pain, depending upon the cause and the severity of the pain. Your doctor will make recommendations based upon his assessment of the causes and optimal treatments for your pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is designed to make it easier for you to perform daily activities. The therapist will start by trying to reduce pain and swelling. This may include heat, cold, ultrasound, or massage. The treatment also usually includes exercise to improve strength and flexibility.

Acupuncture and Yoga

Two alternative treatments for back pain include yoga and acupuncture. Yoga can improve strength and flexibility, as well as providing a means of reducing stress. Acupuncture has historically been effective in treating chronic pain.

Injections

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are often used to provide temporary pain relief. These are often the initial treatments, and may not be effective in all cases.

TENS units

Another common treatment for lower back pain is TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation. These units work by sending electrical impulses through nerves to block pain impulses. These units are available in two styles: external and internal. If the external units provide significant relief, the doctor may recommend an internal implant. The internal unit is surgically implanted and has a remote control unit that will be set by a technician to provide several different options for relief.

Medications

There are many types of medications used to provide relief from severe back pain. Over-the-counter medications include acetominophen (Tylenol), n-saids (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), ibuprofen, and aspirin.

All of these can have serious side-effects if taken in excess, so stronger prescription medications may be required to provide adequate pain relief.

Common prescription medications include

darvocet, flexeril, vicoden, percocet, tramadol, and morphine. Strong prescription pain relievers can have adverse effects, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions for their use.

Long-term use can also cause physical dependency or build a tolerance that requires higher dosage or a change in medication.

Back Supports

Your doctor may also prescribe a back brace for use while walking or lifting. These adjust with velcro straps, and provide extra support for the back.