Back Pain: How Can It Be Treated?

Thousands of people affected by back pain frequently visit healthcare centers to find a solution for the pain and stress. With considerable advancement in medical sciences, several treatment options are now available for back pain relief. Some serious symptoms related to back pain are fever, frequent leg pain, numbness, tingling effect, bloody urination and loss of bowel control. If back pain persists for more than one week, it is better to consult a qualified physician. Depending on the physical examination of particular health problems, review of medical history and diagnostic tests, a personalized back pain treatment protocol will be established.

Unexpected muscle / ligament strain or injury of the spine, discs, nerves and bones are a few causes for back pain. A multidisciplinary approach incorporating professionals in orthopedics, neurology and physical therapy is essential to treat back pain effectively. Immediate medical care at the right time can alleviate back pain more quickly.

Physical examinations and diagnostic tests using advanced techniques such as x-ray tests, CAT scans, bone scans, MRI scans and electromyograms help to pinpoint the root cause of back pain. Herniated discs, muscle spasm, spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylosis, lumbar spine arthritis and osteoporosis are major reasons for back pain. Often, personalized treatment protocols are designed according to the severity of the condition, age, sex and other related factors.

Common treatment modalities for back pain include:

• Application of heat/cold packs to relax the muscles and to prevent muscle spasm
• Pain relieving medications are injected directly at the point of pain. Different types of injections are trigger point, facet joint and epidural steroid.
• Oral or tropical pain medications to lessen localized pain.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to get rid of moderate back pain, muscle inflammation, stiffness or numbness.
• Massages are done to stimulate flexibility of muscles and improve stability of regular body functions.
• Chiropractic manipulations enhance spinal movements. The treatment also helps to reduce pain and muscle inflammation.
• Physical therapy programs are created to restore normal body activities with high energy. Aerobic, stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises are recommended to strengthen the muscles, spine and discs.
• Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is provided to treat chronic and long term back pain. In this process, the nerves are stimulated using low voltage electric current.
• Spinal decompression is an effective back pain treatment. This non-surgical treatment helps to restore damaged spinal discs, reduce pressure on the spine and reverse nerve damage.

An established healthcare facility adopting a multidisciplinary approach to treat pain provides the best treatment available in the medical field. Rehabilitation programs are also arranged in specialized healthcare centers as part of the back pain management services. You are also assured the service of trained professionals who will focus on providing you back pain relief and a quick return to normal life. Your awareness about the causes of back pain and how it can be treated will surely help you to maintain a realistic attitude about back pain treatment.