Doctors used to almost invariably recommend surgery to remedy chronic back pain. After the procedure, the patient would take a few weeks of bed rest and assuming all had gone well, be healed and back to work in a matter of weeks – unless of course, they weren’t.
In the past, experts agree, there was too much back surgery done. Most people weren’t any better after the surgery, and many were worse. It certainly wasn’t a guaranteed way to eliminate back pain.
Lately, studies have revealed that, for the most part, back pain will get better without surgery, even lower back pain. In the majority of back pain cases, a range of other treatments should be undertaken before undergoing a surgical procedure. Although 80 percent of the population experiences back pain at one time or another, less than one percent of people will have need of surgical treatment for their ailment.
Normally, doctors propose surgery only in situations where other alternatives have been attempted and were unable to fix the problem, or if the back pain reappears. Surgery may be necessary if back pain causes the patient’s daily routine to be negatively impacted.
Physical therapy can provide great benefits for healing the spine and lower back. Physical therapists can provide specialized exercises along with methods including:
* Heat or cold therapy – reduces inflammation, pain and muscle spasms
* Ultrasound – the use of sound waves can promote circulation and provide relief to back muscles
* Massage
* Spinal traction
* Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – a painless electrical current is used on the nerves in order to reduce pain and increase the mobility of the back
*Water therapy
Many back pain sufferers experience relief from back pain through medication, either over the counter or prescription drugs. A number of these products are analgesics, such as aspirin, muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
Another treatment for back pain is the use of spinal injections, which also aid your physician in identifying the cause of your back pain. Either an epidural steroid injection or facet joint injections can be given in combination with a program of exercise and physical therapy. This form of treatment should only be used on the advice of your physician.
Chiropractic care can also be used to reduce back pain. A chiropractor can manipulate, apply pressure, palpate and otherwise adjust vertebral alignment.
There are also alternative healing methods for treating back pain, such as acupuncture, biofeedback and herbal treatments. If you decide to try one of these therapies, first check that your practitioner is qualified.
