If you have injured your back, you will resort to OTC (over the counter) painkillers to get temporary relief. However, this is not a long-term solution for your back pain, as without proper treatment, your injury may worsen. Under such circumstances, it is best to visit a healthcare professional or chiropractor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan charted out.
Invariably back pain occurs due to incorrect posture, bending, or stretching incorrectly, or due to work-related causes. However, you needn’t worry, as all patients with back pain do not have to have a surgery to get relief and return to normal life. There are many non-surgical options that can ease the symptoms and facilitate healing. This said, surgery is suggested only when all other treatment options fail and the cause is serious.
Non-invasive Back Pain Treatments
Here are some non-invasive treatments for back pain that do not require you to go under the scalpel:
Pain Medication: If you visit a healthcare professional, he may initially prescribe painkillers, depending on the severity of pain and cause of the pain. These medications vary in strengths and side effects. However, they help in alleviating the pain. If your back muscles are stretched and tensed, the doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Another way to treat back pain is using hot and cold therapy. Initially, you place an ice back to numb the area and after 10 to 15 minutes, the pack is removed and replaced by a hot compress. The alternate cold and heat packs help reduce inflammation, ease pain and boost blood flow to facilitate quick healing.
Chiropractic Adjustment: It may come as a surprise, but chiropractic care can not only ease the symptoms of back pain, it can also help heal the cause of the pain through spinal manipulation. You will notice a marked improvement in your symptoms after the first treatment session. The spinal massage and adjustment, reduce strain on your back muscles, strengthen your back, increase flexibility, and improve blood flow to the affected area. Chiropractors can help you with your back pain among other things. They know the human body and they know how to bring long lasting pain relief to you that does not involve taking drugs.
Stretching Exercises: Your chiropractor may also recommend certain back exercises to alleviate pain and encourage healing. These exercises also are designed to strengthen your back and prevent the injury from recurring.
If you have back pain, there are many treatment options that do not involve surgery. The best is to visit an experienced chiropractor, who will first examine you thoroughly and then prescribe a treatment protocol that is tailored to your needs.