Has back pain ever affected you? If so, then you are well aware how devastating and debilitating the condition can be. Back pain stops everything: working, playing and even sleeping.
Back pain can make it impossible to get comfortable, and life can essentially come to a standstill. Fortunately, finding effective ways of treating back pain is now easier than ever before.
More than 65 million Americans a year report some sort of back pain. This condition is so common that it's actually become one of the leading reasons that people seek medical care.
Aside from the obvious discomfort that comes with it, back pain is also highly inconvenient. Your work is disrupted, family commitments are upset and routine daily activities put on hold. Some patients with back pain find that they're forced to forego taking part in recreational activities and sports, simply because the required movements will put too much stress on their backs. Others are in so much pain, a task as simple as standing up become an impossible feat.
Through recent advances in medical research, science and technology, many new treatment options are available for people who suffer with chronic back pain. Each method offers a different way of tackling the pain. Every patient is unique, as well, so it's important to get a doctor's advice before treating back pain.
Some common back pain treatment options are as follows:
Medicinal Treatments
There is a wide variety of drugs available to treat the various symptoms and causes of back pain. These medications include anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and relaxants to ease muscle tension and spasms. Some back pain medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Many of these drugs can bring about side effects, so get your doctor's advice before taking any of them.
Some of the most common back pain medications:
* Acetaminophen is a common classification including Anacin 3, Tylenol, Phenaphen, and Valadol
* Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Ketoprofen
* COX-2 Inhibitors, including Celecoxib
* Opioids, including Morphine and Codeine
* Muscle relaxants, including Valium, Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine
Chiropractic Treatment
More and more back pain sufferers are finding relief with chiropractic care. It's an effective manual manipulation of the bones, performed by a professional chiropractor, therapist or other qualified health professional. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve back pain by taking pressure off of sensitive neurological tissues to restore and increase blood flow. This triggers a series of chemical reactions in the body and releases endorphins and other natural pain killing hormones.
Epidural Injections
This "passive" method of treating back pain is applied directly to the individual. Steroid medications are injected into the spine. As the drugs travel throughout the entire spinal column, inflammation of the affected area is decreased and the patient enjoys welcome pain relief.
Massage
This is a therapeutic treatment that can bring relief for patients with lower back pain. By manually manipulating the muscles, your therapist can help to improve the blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness and increase your range of motion. Massage can also trigger your body to release endorphins and other natural pain killers.
It's no longer necessary for those suffering from back pain to give their lives over to the discomfort. There are many ways of effectively treating back pain. Speak with your doctor about the treatment method that's best for you.
