Back pain is very common and can be easily treated in the home. Of all the types of back pain, the most common is lumbago (the lower back), although the patient can feel it all through the spine.
Back pain can affect how we move and our daily activities. Because of back pain, we’ve all had to abandon one activity or the other.
At the end of the day, Back pain makes one uncomfortable, and it can feel painful.
We suffer from back pain as a result of several s such as injuries, physical activities, medical conditions, or as a result of old age.
As people get older, the chances of developing pain in the lower back increase as a result of weakening bones, degenerative disk disease, and their work history.
When Should I See a Physician For My Back Pain in Westchester?
Do you live in Westchester and the severity of your back pain is really bad? This usually determines when you should go see your orthopedic surgeon in the Westchester area. In most cases, the pain isn’t unbearably painful. It can be easily managed, and the cure is expected to fade after a few weeks.
As a patient, we recommend you see a doctor if you feel the need to, regardless of how severe or mild you feel pain.
After two to three weeks, if you barely notice a difference, we recommend you go to your doctor.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain may be the result of problems with the spine, such as osteoporosis can cause this pain. The human back is made of a complex arrangement of bones, ligaments, muscles, bones, discos, and tendons that gives us our support and enables us to walk around. Cartilages or discs serve as cushions for the bones as they move over one another.
Back pain can be caused by damage to any of these parts.
Other factors that can result in back pain include stress, poor posture, medical conditions and more.
Treating Back Pain
Home treatments
You can get over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen for relief. You can also apply rubs or spray or an ice pack directly in the source of pain to reduce how it feels.
If you develop back pain as a result of strenuous activities, you should stop and rest. A massage can also help reduce the effect of back pain.
Medical Treatment
If the stay-at-home method proves ineffective, here are possible solutions offered by medical doctors.
Some types of back pain are resistant to OTC painkillers. In such cases, your doctor or physician may recommend a prescription NSAID. Sometimes you will be asked to use either codeine or hydrocodone. Both of these drugs are narcotics, so they should be used only for short periods and before bed. Patients taking these drugs are also closely monitored by their doctors.
Muscle relaxants can also be used to cure the pain you may be feeling.
Antidepressants are another class of medication used to treat back pain. Drugs like amitriptyline Trusted Source may be prescribed. Such medications are still under a tight microscope because research is still ongoing to determine their effectiveness and side effects of these drugs
Physical therapy
Sometimes, the solution to back pain can be as basic as yoga. By applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation (to name a few muscle release techniques), the muscles and tissue on the back soften, which can help reduce pain.
A physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises to fix the back posture and strengthen abdominal muscles. Posture improvement exercises may also be used.
This method takes time, and the patient is encouraged to practice these techniques regularly and continue to do so when the pain is gone.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies can be used together with conventional therapies or on their own. These therapies include:
- Osteopath therapy: This form of therapy specializes in treating the skeleton and the muscles. It treats joints, bones and muscle problems. In this case, our main focus will be the spine.
- Shiatsu therapy: This involves the use of the fingers to apply pressure in the form of a massage. Here, the fingers, thumbs and elbows are used to apply direct pressure on the area causing pain.
- Acupuncture: This is a form of pain relief therapy that originated in China. Here, needles are inserted into specific points of the body to release natural painkillers. Acupuncture also stimulates the nerves and muscle tissues.
- Yoga: Mastering certain poses, breathing exercises, and movements may help strengthen your spine and improve posture. When performing yoga, you must be careful not to perform poses or stretches that worsen back pain.
Surgery
Surgery is rare and usually considered as the last resort for back pain. Surgeries are mostly used for patients with herniated disks, especially when it leaves the patient in constant pain and compresses nerve endings which can lead to muscle weakness.
Conclusion
If you are looking to get Back Pain Treatment in Westchester then contact us today to set up an appointment. There is no harm in calling us soon as you feel discomfort. Otherwise, you can practice some of the tips mentioned in this post for effective and long-lasting pain relief.