Non-surgical Back Pain Remedies

Back pain is classified as acute or chronic. Acute back pain usually lasts for three months whereas chronic back pain can last for a lifetime. Low back pain or LBP is the most common back pain. A majority of individuals have limited or hampered activities because of low back pain as it can be persistent. Low back pain is usually felt below the waist and it can occur suddenly with a sharp and dull pain, People younger than 45 years old can have low back pain. Frequent visits to the physician are often instigated by low back pain, and in some cases, surgery is required. nnHospital admissions are sometimes necessary for low back pain as it may cause disability. Low back pain can be categorized as acute or chronic. Acute LBP may be short-lived (lasting only 3 months) compared to chronic LBP that can last throughout life. As the name suggests, low back pain is localized in a certain area of the low back. It can sometimes radiate throughout that area or could extend to the buttocks and the legs. At times, low back pain can be accompanied by general aching and neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness and tingling. If bowel or bladder irregularities, groin or leg weakness or numbness and critical symptoms that persist for several days and interfere with your usual activities occur, then it may require medical attention. nnStrenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, abrupt or weighty movement, bending or twisting, improper positioning of the body and being stationary for an extended period of time can trigger low back pain or may aggravate any back disorder that a person may already have. Other medical conditions of the spine and arthritis can also cause low back pain. LBP does not only indicate a problem in the spine. Through medical assessments, muscle spasm, bone displacement and tender joints can also be the underlying cause. Low back pain may even be organ or nerve-related. Low back pain treatment without surgery can be resorted to by most patients. nnConventionally, a thorough bed rest combined with medications can be a remedy for inflamed or painful muscles. Prescribed medications are usually commensurate to a patient’s condition, age, current medications and safety. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) are the foremost choice of analgesic. For muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are recommended although they may cause drowsiness. In acute cases and in chronic cases, if necessary, narcotic pain relievers can alleviate the discomfort. Other methods of low back pain treatments are physical therapy (PT), ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) trial. A well-managed PT program can be remarkably helpful as it has tremendous positive effects on the muscles, in mobility, coordination, balance and relaxation. nnA structured PT regimen has been proven to be effective as patients with low back pain who resorted to it showed rapid progress and recovery. Unless expedient, these non-surgical remedies for LBP will suffice as undergoing surgery can be costly. Spinal surgeries are only considered if worsening nerve impairment, increasing weakness, intolerable pain and spinal unsteadiness, and if bowel or bladder irregularities are experienced.