(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Back pain is one of the most reported musculoskeletal problems in general practice. Doctors consider it chronic if it lasts for more than three months. In most patients, it often comes and goes, providing temporary relief, followed by frustration. For others, the pain does not go away for several months, but only a few experience persistent severe back pain.
Back pain treatment and management is challenging, especially if the cause is unknown. Over-the-counter pain relief medications and bed rest have proven helpful to some in relieving back pain. Ideally, if you are suffering from back pain, stop activities that increase the pain but do not avoid exercising in fear of pain. If home treatments do not work for several weeks, it is time to visit a health clinic for back pain diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can suggest alternative therapies and treatments for back pain. If the source of pain is unknown, your best option is to work with a pain management specialist to reduce flare-ups and make the pain manageable through nonsurgical therapies. Let’s discuss some of them below here.
Physical therapy
Exercise is the basic approach to back pain treatment and relief. Your physician or spine physical therapist will advise and guide you on how to exercise your back muscles to try and relieve the pain. However, exercises do not work for every patient in the treatment of chronic back pain. The exercises need to be tailored to the specific symptoms of your condition. It may include:
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Aerobic exercises.
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Stretching and flexibility exercises.
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Retraining your posture.
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Core strengthening.
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Testing the limits of your pain tolerance.
Hands-on therapy
According to research, a one-time massage per week over ten weeks relieved the pain and improved the functioning of people with chronic back pain. The benefits lasted for an average of six months but diminished within a year. That means hands-on therapy is a continuous pain management approach to deal with chronic pain. Spinal manipulation is also a hands-on approach performed by a certified spinal specialist. It helps relieve chronic back pain, reduce structural problems and help the patient regain lost mobility.
Mindfulness and meditation
Chronic back pain affects the individual both physically and mentally. A patient who is dealing with chronic pain may suffer depression, stress, irritability, and frustration. They may be referred to a psychologist for talk therapy. Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients deal with chronic back pain in the short and long term. For instance, it may target how the patient thinks about physical exercise and why they avoid it. The specialist may recommend yoga and meditation activities to keep your mind from focusing on the pain.
Healthy nutrition
Some foods are highly inflammatory especially processed foods, foods with highly refined sugars and fats. Being overweight could contribute to back pain and posture problems. Consult with your pain management specialist to determine if your diet could be contributing to your back pain. Maintaining a healthy weight minimizes the pressure on your spine and relieves back pain.
Alternative treatments
There are several alternative treatments for back pain, including electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, among other nonsurgical spine treatments.
conclusion
Lifestyle modification is also crucial in relieving back pain. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.