Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of people visiting a doctor’s office. In fact, lower back pain is so frequent that four out of five people experience it at some point in their lives.
For some people, lower back pain is an acute problem resolved in a matter of days or weeks. For others, it’s a chronic condition they have to live with every day. So, is there anything you can do to alleviate lower back pain? Read on to find out.
Lower Back Pain Treatment
You should visit a healthcare professional if your lower back pain persists for more than two weeks or prevents you from doing everyday activities. Acute pain is usually treated with light stretches, heat or ice therapy, and medications. The goal is to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, relax tensed muscles, and relieve pain.
The most common medication for acute lower back pain include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and topical creams or gels.
However, if you experience chronic back pain, your doctor will suggest more comprehensive approaches based on the diagnosis of your condition.
How to Treat Chronic Lower Back Pain?
The treatment from chronic back pain depends on the underlying condition causing it, and it often requires a multidisciplinary approach.
The initial treatments may include medications such as NSAIDs, analgesics, opioids, or antidepressants. They should help lower the initial pain and enable you to do the everyday activities and exercises that your doctor prescribes. These exercises aim to strengthen your core and back muscles, which speeds up your recovery and prevents further injuries. However, never start an exercise plan without consulting with your physician first because if you select inadequate exercises, your condition can worsen.
Other treatment approaches include spinal cord stimulation, steroid injections, physical therapy, regenerative medicine, spinal manipulation, and other treatments. Surgery is considered if all other options fail to produce the right results. It can relieve pain for people with musculoskeletal injuries, nerve damage, or nerve compression.
Is There a Way to Prevent Lower Back Pain?
Although you can’t predict things like injuries, you can design a plan for preventing back pain. That may include:
- Exercising regularly to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles
- Improving your posture
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Enjoying a diet with enough vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus to ensure bone health
- Using correct technique for lifting and not lifting heavy objects
- Quitting smoking
- Using ergonomically designed furniture
- Sleeping on your back and side and securing a neutral spine position
- Breaking prolonged sitting periods with short walks and stretching exercises
Keep in mind that lower back pain is more prevalent the older you get. That’s why it is a good idea to start implementing these suggestions even if you don’t fall into this age group, as your back will be thankful later in your life.
Who Can Help Me With Lower Back Pain?
At Dr. Nash Progressive Pain and Rehabilitation Center, we focus on lower back pain management in The Woodlands, using innovative treatments combined with regenerative medicine approaches. Our dedicated experts are experienced in helping people get rid of their pain, so don’t be afraid to reach out. Click here to get in touch.
346-220-8063