It used to be that if an individual experienced a lot of back pain their physician would recommend surgery to fix the problem. Following the surgery treatment, someone would normally be on bed rest for some weeks, then, if all went well, their back could be better - unless it wasn't. In the past, professionals agree, there was too much back surgery done. Most people were not any better after the surgery, and many were worse.

Today, research has shown that many back pain, even lower back pain, will deal with itself without surgery, given rest and time. In reality, for most back pain, all other choices should be attempted ahead of scheduling surgery on the back. Under one percent of all people ever actually need surgical treatment for their back pain, even though four out of every five individuals have back pain eventually in their life.

Who Needs Surgery Treatment?

Normally, physicians believe that surgery treatment should only be regarded if other techniques have been tried and were unsuccessful at reducing the back pain (or the pain returns), the pain is considerably influencing someone's day-to-day life, or if left alone the back condition would deteriorate into a more serious state.

Non-Surgical Therapies

Physical therapy could be a powerful way to assist the back and spine heal. In addition to special, certain exercises, often the physical therapist will employ other modalities, like heat or cold therapy (reduces irritation, pain and muscle spasms), ultrasound (makes use of sound waves to head and encourage circulation and reduces redness, pain and muscle spasms), massage therapy, spinal traction, Trans cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (uses a painless electric presently on certain nerves to relieve pain and improve mobility of the back) and water therapy.

Several patients find relief by employing treatment to relieve their back pain. There are many kinds, some over the counter and others prescription. They include muscle relaxants, analgesics and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Spinal injections can alleviate soreness and aid the doctor determine the reason for the back pain. Two kinds are Facet Joint Injections and Epidural Steroid Injections. Spinal injections aren't used alone, but are utilized together with physical therapy and workout. They should invariably be suggested or prescribed by your doctor.

Often, chiropractic care can assist alleviate back pain. They can palpate, use pressure, manipulate, massage and employ other methods to re-align the vertebrae of the spine. Other options for working with back pain are regarded as alternative treatment. They include traditional Chinese medicine, certain herbal medications and biofeedback. If you use one of these therapies, make sure to have a reliable practitioner.