Friday, September 13, 2013

Back pain managed conservatively


I have back pain and have been thinking of treating myself at home. Is this okay?

Sure, treatment of back pain starts at home. Most people can get better with the use of over the counter pain meds and rest. A short period of bed rest is more than adequate. If the over the counter pain meds do not work, one can obtain prescription strength pain medications. In some cases, low doses of anti depressants can help both pain and sleep.  Once the pain has subsided, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and increase range of motion. Physical therapy may involve ultrasound, TENS, electrical stimulation and water therapy. Regular use of these techniques may help improve posture and ease back pain.

Some people with more severe back pain may benefit from injection of corticosteroids in the joint. The steroid can ease inflammation but take a few weeks to work. Not all people respond to these injections. The one thing i can tell you- the more you muck around with your back by going to healthcare professionals, the worse your back pain will become.

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