Living with back pain is not easy. While there are different types of back pain that range in severity, back pain can interfere with one’s daily quality life. Back pain can prevent someone from being able to stand up straight or even walk without pain, making a professional diagnosis necessary and as soon as possible after the back injury.
Even though most people with back pain sufferers will relief within a few days or weeks, others may experience back pain for months or years. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, back pain is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. With so many causes, it is important to seek professional treatment for back pain early on and avoid suffering for months without treatment.
TYPES OF BACK PAIN
When someone is suffering from back pain, the pain they are experiencing can range from dull to sharp. The pain can also come and go without warning, eventually becoming a constant ache. Back pain fits into two general categories – acute back pain and chronic back pain.
Acute back pain immediately hurts after an injury or action of an individual. In most cases, acute back pain does not last more than six weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months and can cause an individual to be unable to move properly. Since every back injury is different, it is essential for patients to see a back pain specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Preventing or lessoning back pain can be achieved by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Making nutritional food choices
- Learning proper posture
- Performing beneficial exercises
- Lifting with the legs vs. the back
- Sleeping on a medium to firm mattress
REASONS FOR BACK PAIN
The back consists of many bones, nerves, joints, ligaments and muscles that can sustain damage without proper care. While sports injuries and auto accidents are common causes of back pain, the possibility of someone injuring their back by simply moving the wrong way is quite real. Other reasons for someone suffering from back pain include structural problems, bad posture, being overweight, arthritis, heredity, stress, smoking and aging.
BACK PAIN TREATMENT
Since there are a variety of back pain treatment options available, the type of treatment we recommend will depend on the type of back pain someone is experiencing. Some of the top back pain treatment options available for people with acute back pain tend to include self-care remedies. These self-care remedies can include gentle exercising, ice and heat therapy and taking over the counter medications. Surgery may be necessary when treating ruptured disks or vertical fractures.
NON-SURGICAL BACK PAIN TREATMENT
Non-surgical back pain treatment options are readily available for people who prefer alternative or holistic choices when it comes to seeking medical treatment. These types of treatment can include using hot or cold packs at home, physical therapy, manual manipulation by a chiropractor, wearing a back brace, epidural steroid injections, traction, taking prescribed medications, medical massage, behavioral modification and practicing mindful meditation techniques.
Spinal decompression is another non-surgical option that relieves back pain. It works by stretching the spine using a specialized traction device that is similar to the same principles chiropractors use. The two main benefits that stem from using spinal decompression therapy include its ability to create the negative pressure that supports a repositioning of the disc and its ability to create less pressure in the disc.
Spinal decompression therapy can take anywhere between four and six weeks to complete, including additional treatments like electric stimulation, ultrasound and cold/hot therapy techniques. Patients may benefit from complementing their therapy by drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of rest, choosing to eat nutritional foods and creating a gentle exercising routine.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Pain management services are often necessary when someone is suffering from back pain. While some people may experience minimal back pain, others will experience extreme pain that can get in their way of being able to perform their everyday functions, like walking and eating. We will determine what the patient’s best pain management options are going to be, which will vary and are dependent on each particular patient’s needs.
The goal of an individualized pain management treatment plan is to decrease the level of pain and suffering so that the patient is able to once again function at a high level, ultimately restoring their overall quality of life. If you are suffering from back pain, no matter the level of pain, call us to schedule an appointment today.