Back pain can be very exhausting since the back controls a majority of the activities that the body performs including the basic daily living chores. The treatment for back pain depends on the location of the pain and the intensity of the pain. Acute back pain can be relieved by the use of homemade treatments while for chronic back pain the homemade treatments will only work for a short period of time.
Medication
NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be used to relieve pain effectively for almost all types of back pains. The two main types of NSAIDS prescribed are naproxen a good sample being Aleve and ibuprofen an example being Motrin. There are many types of pain relievers such as corticosteroids, analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, biological response modifiers, an osteoporosis medication, gout medication and disease modifying anti-rheumatic. If even after taking oral medication the pain is still persistent the doctor might try alternative stronger treatments like tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline or gabapentin. Steroid injections can also be used as a treatment for back pain, and they are more effective since they are injected directly on the ailing part, and the effectiveness can last up to several months.
Home remedies
Cold packs such as ice or hot packs can be used to ease the discomfort and reduce the inflammation levels in mild cases of back pain. The hot and cold packs should never be placed directly on the skin as they might cause cold or hot burns, so they need to be covered with a piece of cloth first. Regular exercising is also important in preventing and treating back pains. Exercise helps in strengthening the muscles and improving the back posture. The abdominal and core muscles are also strengthened. It is recommended that before exercise a physical therapist is consulted for them to illustrate how the exercises should be done.
Surgery
This treatment method should be used when all other treatment methods have failed to be effective in relieving pain. The main reason behind this is because any type of surgery is associated with some risks major or minor and when it comes to back surgery there is no guarantee that the surgery will work. This is mainly recommended for individuals whose back structures have abnormalities that result to nerve compression that is leading to muscle weakness and pain that is unremitting. The main type of back surgery performed is the spinal fusion which involves the joining of the vertebrae that are paining are joined into one bone in order to remove the spine motion which is painful. Surgery can also be used as a treatment for back pain by replacing or removing the vertebrae or disks that have occurred as a result of the degenerative bone disease. A portion of the vertebrae can be removed or cells can be injected to assist in the growth of a new one to replace the old one.
Alternative medicine
As a treatment for back pain, there are several alternative therapies that can be administered such as massages, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, chiropractic adjustments and cognitive behavioral therapy. Prior to taking any complementary or alternative treatment therapy, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe. For all your back pain treatment our Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Faisal Mahmood will handle them competently.
