These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used. Antidepressants , such as amitriptyline , may be prescribed, but research is ongoing at to their effectiveness, and the evidence is conflicting.
Physical therapy: Applying heat, ice, ultrasound , and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles.
Techniques for improving posture may also help. The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence. Cortisone injections: If other options are not effective, these may be injected into the epidural space, around the spinal cord. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug. It helps reduce inflammation around the nerve roots.
Injections may also be used to numb areas thought to be causing the pain. Botox : Botox botulism toxin , according to some early studies, are thought to reduce pain by paralyzing sprained muscles in spasm.
These injections are effective for about 3 to 4 months. Traction : Pulleys and weights are used to stretch the back.
This may result in a herniated disk moving back into position. It can also relieve pain, but only while traction is applied. It may include relaxation techniques and ways of maintaining a positive attitude. Studies have found that patients with CBT tend to become more active and do exercise, resulting in a lower risk of back pain recurrence.
Chiropractic, osteopathy, shiatsu, and acupuncture may help relieve back pain, as well as encouraging the patient to feel relaxed. Studies on complementary therapies have given mixed results. Some people have experienced significant benefit, while others have not. It is important, when considering alternative therapies, to use a well qualified and registered therapist.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS is a popular therapy for patients with chronic back pain. The TENS machine delivers small electric pulses into the body through electrodes that are placed on the skin.
Experts believe TENS encourages the body to produce endorphins and may block pain signals returning to the brain. Studies on TENS have provided mixed results. Some revealed no benefits, while others indicated that it could be helpful for some people. Surgery for back pain is very rare. If a patient has a herniated disk surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness. Not only can pain occur anywhere along the spine or in the adjoining muscles, but it can vary drastically in intensity and frequency.
Because the spine is the casing that protects the most important elements of the Central Nervous System, back pain of any kind can be a warning sign of damage that should be taken seriously. Left untreated, some causes of back pain can lead to permanent spine or nerve damage. Back pain of any kind can be either acute or chronic. If the pain is acute, symptoms are generally sudden and temporary. In chronic cases, however, the pain returns regularly, over time—sometimes unpredictably—and can make everyday activities difficult.
The regions of the back and spine can be separated into multiple sections: the cervical region the vertebrae of the neck , the thoracic region the vertebrae of the upper back , and the lumbar region or lower back. Middle and thoracic back pain are not as common as neck and lower back pain, of course, as the vertebrae in the middle regions of the spine do not typically flex as much as the vertebrae at the ends of the spine, which allow you to move your head and hips.
For this reason, middle and upper back pain can often be a sign of something other than muscle stress. When compared with neck cervical pain, middle back pain and lower lumbar back pain, pain in the thoracic region of the spine has a greater probability of being caused by a serious underlying condition.
Upper back pain is caused by joint dysfunction when the joints surrounding the spine and ribs do not function properly. Much like upper back pain, lower back pain is commonly caused by overuse or acute trauma. Lower back pain is also often caused by added pressure to nerves, which results from several conditions.
For instance, a herniated disc can cause nerve pressure. A disc works as a shock absorber for the vertebrae of the spin, so when discs break or bulge, they are said to be herniated. A physical therapist will assess your symptoms and be able to determine the likely source of your pain, as well as develop a treatment plan that will involve stretching and strengthening.
If back pain is your problem, Body One Physical Therapy is your answer. Hurt and looking for answers?
We offer free Injury Screenings at each of our locations. Call Body One and find out how we can help you. Tags: back pain , disc , facet joint , lower back , radiating pain , slipped disc , sore back , spinal , spine.
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