If you are just beginning to research back pain management, you may have seen the word “conservative” used to describe certain treatment options. Typically, the term is used to refer to any type of nonsurgical treatment. These therapie are usually the first to be recommended because they can be highly effective and thus help many patients avoid unnecessary surgery.
Many patients suffering from back pain can benefit from a combination of different treatments. For example, a mix of physical therapy, hot and cold therapy, and a healthy lifestyle can drastically improve the chronic pain experienced by patients. If you are interested in your own treatment plan, reach out to BEST Health System and explore the options available to you.
Examples of Conservative Treatments
There are a variety of conservative treatment options available, each of which offers a unique benefit to patients experiencing chronic back pain. Here is a list of common conservative treatment options:
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Heating pads
- Ice packs
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve block injections
- Trigger point injections
- SI joint injections
- Facet joint injections
- Activity modifications
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Back bracing
- Prescription painkillers
- Muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy
The most effective approach to back pain management involves a combination of several options. Your personal physician can help you choose the treatments that are most appropriate for your needs, then suggest any modifications that may become necessary over time.
The Pros and Cons of Conservative Back Pain Treatment
Many people who use conservative treatments notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. That said, you might need to explore several options before you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the results of conservative treatment typically wears off over time. You might find yourself taking medications on a daily basis or even several times a day just to maintain an adequate level of pain relief. The effects of injections tend to be longer lasting, mainly because these treatments contain both short-acting and long-acting medications that could potentially provide relief for up to one year.
Additionally, conservative treatments are only capable of providing symptom relief. They do not actually treat the underlying cause of the pain. To address a slipped disc, bone spur, or another degenerative issue, surgical treatment might be necessary.
Throughout the treatment process, it is important to remember that what works for someone else might not work for you. You should always listen to your body, making note of what helps and what doesn’t so that you and your physician can improve your treatment plan together. With a bit of trial and error, you can come up with a back pain management plan that allows you to return to your daily activities.
BEST Health System
If you are interested in learning more about treatment plans for chronic back pain, reach out to our team today. The BEST is yet to come.
