The back is basically the control center or the foundation of the body. It holds the upper as well as lower portions together and is thus subjected to a lot of tension and strain. The back suffers much more because of people’s sedentary lifestyle including improper bending, poor lifting techniques, poor hydration, inadequate sleep, and injuries sustained from accidents or sports. All these factors can end up leaving one with serious, debilitating and unending back pain. However, something can still be done to help rectify or ease the excruciating pain at the back and to prevent further damage. Below are some guidelines on how to treat back pains:
Medications
The following different types of medication can be recommended by the physician depending on the type and nature of back pain:
Over-the-counter prescriptions
OTC are usually prescribed as pain relievers. The most common include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium that’s suitable for relieving acute back pain. These medications should be taken as per doctor’s advice since overuse or abuse can lead to serious health side effects.
Muscle relaxants
These are prescribed to counter mild to moderate back pains that do not improve with over the counter pain relievers. Muscle relaxants are relatively strong and can make you dizzy or even totally sleepy. Typical pain relievers consist of salves or ointments and creams that are rubbed into the skin specifically on the site of pain.
Narcotics
Certain classes of drugs including hydrocodone or codeine may be prescribed but only for a short time. These are done under close supervision of a doctor.
Antidepressants
When the pain is chronic, very low doses of some types of antidepressants may be administered. These include tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline. However, such type of drugs can only be given under a doctor’s supervision because of their effect on depression.
Injections
If the above measures cannot relieve back pain and it now radiates down the legs, then the doctor may administer cortisone injection. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory prescription, or numbing medication injected right into the spaces around the spinal cord. Cortisone injection doesn’t eliminate back pain immediately but helps alleviate inflammation around the nerve roots.
Education
Although there is not any generally acceptable program to educate people with back pain problems on how to effectively manage the condition, some kind of discussion on the topic might be of help. This may involve a class talk with the doctor. It may also involve the use of written materials and videos. Such education should emphasize the importance reducing stress, staying active, and worrying less. It may also include teaching ways to avoid injury in the future.
Physical exercise and therapy
Physical therapy is the mother of all back pain treatment. A physiotherapist is well equipped with all the knowledge and skills to administer a variety of treatments. These include heat, electrical stimulation, muscle-release techniques, and ultrasound. Any of these treatment methods can be administered to the soft tissue and the back muscle to eliminate pain. As the pain subsides, the physiotherapist can now teach the patient some exercises that can increase flexibility and strengthen the back as well as abdominal muscles to improve posture. Regularly using these techniques can prevent pain from recurring.