Most Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their life. It is estimated that nearly 31 million Americans experience some level of back pain at any given time. It is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor. Back pain can come and go which makes dealing with it especially trying if you don’t know the cause.
It is essential to understand the source of back pain as thoroughly as possible and to consider every reasonable option availableessential to understand the source of back pain as thoroughly as possible and to consider every reasonable option available. If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, the best strategy is to collaborate with your doctor on a plan that reduces the severity and frequency of flare-ups and focuses on goals for function and quality of life. Many daily behaviors and activities can be modified that significantly improve chronic back pain before even considering medications or procedures. Take note of the activities that worsen your pain and avoid them.
Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try, under the guidance of a physician and physical therapist. Exercises should be customized to address your specific symptoms, condition and comfort level. Maintaining your exercise routine at home is even more important than what you do in physical therapy.
If exercise, physical therapy or a change in activities does not help, there are other things you can try. Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can make a difference for chronic back pain. They are worth exploring as the potential benefits of these outweigh the potential risks.
Injection-based options such as trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, nerve ablations and other types of injection-based procedures are available for chronic back pain. These procedures are considered when the source of the pain is known. They can sometimes help rule out certain causes if the treatment does not work. Injections may stop or lessen pain for a while, but they are not long-term solutions. The goal of injection-based treatments is to improve pain control and maximize your participation in physical therapy and home exercises.
Of course, there are medicines to help manage chronic back pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium should be your first option. There are also topical pain relievers such as creams, salves, ointments and patches, which deliver pain-relieving substances through the skin. If these don’t help, your health care provider might suggest prescription NSAIDs. If mild to moderate back pain doesn’t improve with pain relievers, a muscle relaxant might be prescribed. Opioids should be prescribed only after other pain medications have been tried without providing relief. Some types of antidepressants have also been shown to relieve chronic back pain. A doctor can advise you on and prescribe medication that addresses the cause of your pain. Find the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects and use medications only for as long as they are helpful and well-tolerated.
Surgery is usually considered a last resort after trying more conservative options. Procedures used to treat back pain may include radiofrequency ablation, implanted nerve stimulators or spinal surgery.
Regardless of what route you go, bed rest isn’t recommended so continue your activities as much as you can but stop activity that increases pain. Seeing a physician is always a good idea as they can assess where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They also can help rule out more-serious causes of back pain.
Through the West Tennessee Healthcare Neuroscience & Spine Center, patients have access to diagnostic services and treatment for back pain. The main office is in Jackson with satellite clinics in Dyersburg, and Martin. With physicians and advanced practice providers spread across the region, you’re able to receive the high-quality medical care you need, close to home. To schedule an appointment, click here.
