Chronic Back Pain Tips
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How to Treat Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can make life unpleasant, but fortunately there are multiple methods available as forms of treatment.
1. Noninvasive Pharmacologic Pain Management
Pain relievers and other drugs are usually administered from the onset of back pain. The most common types of medications that are given to treat chronic back pain include analgesics (such as Tylenol,) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (such as aspirin and ibuprofen,) muscle relaxants, narcotic medications, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, and neuromodulating medications.
2. Exercise
Exercise can sometimes be used to treat chronic back pain. The aim is to build strength, increase flexibility, and restore natural motion.
3. Manual Techniques
Manipulation of the affected areas is also a way to treat chronic back pain. Applying force to the affected joints, muscles, and ligaments can bring relief.
4. Behavioral Modification
Cognitive therapy can be applied to help one cope with chronic pain. Meditation and other relaxation techniques are taught as a form of pain management.
5. Heating Pads or Ice Packs
Heating pads and ice packs can be applied to the affected area to alleviate pain. These should be used in addition to exercise techniques.
6. Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy can be implemented by sending low-voltage electric stimulation to the sensory nervous system to reduce back pain.
7. Injections
Injections of steroids to the affected ligaments, joints, muscles, or nerves can provide temporary pain relief. This method is often used for those suffering from a pinched nerve in the spine.
Don't Underestimate These Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can be an irritant for anybody. The throbbing, searing pain can keep you up at night, affect productivity at work, and reduce your desire to engage in healthy physical activity. While you should certainly visit your doctor if you believe that you have such pain to receive a diagnosis and treatment, you can also partake in some prevention methods yourself. Understanding what aggravates or causes your chronic back pain can help you keep it at bay. Here are some common causes.
Pregnancy – If you're a woman who has recently had a child or is currently pregnant, then this could lead to back pain. As your stomach expands and you have to carry the extra weight, it can irritate your back. Generally, once you have the baby, the pain should abate. If it doesn't, then you may want to visit your doctor.
Strain – You may have stretched your body too thin physically and injured yourself in the process. Sometimes even your chair or the way that you sit can cause strain. If you already have chronic back pain, watch the way and how long you sit lest you aggravate the condition even further.
Arthritis – This condition involves stiffened joints that don't function properly due to inflammation. As you can imagine, this causes plenty of pain. If you receive medication for your arthritis, then your chronic pain may disappear.
Sciatica – This condition targets your back, sides, legs, and buttocks. You may also experience a lack of sensation in these areas as well. Just like with arthritis, if you receive the proper treatment for this condition, then your chronic pain could disappear or at least seriously abate.
Herniated disc – For people with this condition, the discs in their back shift and the nerve roots become irritated. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you believe that you have a herniated disc. You may require surgery or less severe treatment options.
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