Lower back pain can result from many different reasons. Some people develop back pain for nonmedical reasons, while others may have an underlying medical condition that requires professional help. If you believe that your lower back ache could relate to a medical condition, it is best to seek advice from the appropriate healthcare professional. Treatment available can be effective in providing relief.
Common Treatment Options
The most practical way to treat lower back pains is through physical therapy. A physical therapist could design specific exercise programs to help stabilize the muscles in your back, improve flexibility, and increase overall functioning. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be advised by health practitioners as an additional treatment for pain disorders, particularly if it affects the patient’s sanity. Through CBT, people could learn how to live with their pain and make plans for handling it better.
For those patients whose pain does not stop from these measures, a pain clinic may also be necessary. Most pain clinics use a multidisciplinary treatment method where several types of therapy will be on hand for the express needs of their patients. For the more extreme cases, when other forms of treatment have been tried, there is the surgery option. Surgery is often considered a ‘last resort, mainly because other types of treatments first need to be undertaken; the patient’s disease must be far enough along so as to warrant surgery.
Acute Pain Management
Generally, it is said that at the time of acute pain, it would be good to stop everything that you are doing and allow your body a little time to recover. While resting, sleeping in a fetal position may help. You can get some relief by keeping a pillow between your knees so as to ease the pressure on your lower back. This is the critical period when one needs to avoid lifting heavy loads or even undertaking twisting and bending activities. It is also important to avoid vigorous exercises when these pains occur to prevent further damage. If your doctor feels that you should also have some form of exercise to help you, then such exercises can be prescribed that would improve your blood circulation and help lessen the pain.
Pain Medications
Medications can also be another treatment option for lower back pain. Healthcare professionals may prescribe the over-the-counter medications of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or Motrin IB in accordance with the intensity of the pain. These drugs act through reducing inflammation and easing pain. If you have constant lower back pain, consider adjusting the way you sleep; sleeping on your side may ease any pressure on the lumbar that might occur from lying on your back.
Furthermore, massages or warm baths may be used to loosen tight muscles in the back. If you would like medication to alleviate tension or pain, it is very important to discuss the dosages and other treatment options with your doctor.
Imaging Tests
X-rays and CT scans are usually not necessary in the first few weeks following the onset of back pain. With a few exceptions, most acute pain conditions do not require such studies unless there are concerning neurological findings or other red flags. When chronic pain arises, X-rays or other imaging studies are ordered by physicians to uncover conditions related to pain, such as tumors and infections.
Because there are so many causes for lower back pain, and in cases of mild lower back pain not relating to more extensive medical conditions, X-rays and MRIs may not be called for. NSAIDs can greatly help inflammation and discomfort associated with pain. Heat can soothe stiff muscles, which in turn can make a person more comfortable overall. A warm bath or even heated pad can help with the healing process and comfort level.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is another useful treatment approach in lower back pain, especially if there is any form of inflammation. Ice packs or cold gel packs can help reduce swelling and further anesthetize painful areas. At the same time, lower back pain can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. When using such medications, all instructions on the package must be followed to avoid issues of dependency.
Ultimately, the most effective strategy to adopt for lower back pain will depend on careful assessment by your health professional. The more precise the diagnosis of the cause of your distress, the more appropriate the treatment will be. If you have lower back pain, do not hesitate to seek an appointment with a qualified healthcare professional, who can walk you through the options that are available to help you regain your comfort and mobility.
