If you are living with chronic back pain, relief may seem out of reach. It is perfectly natural to feel frustrated if you’re finding it difficult to work, exercise, drive, or complete your usual household tasks, especially if you’re already taking anti-inflammatory medications, exercising, and using other therapies. However, there are quite a few options for relieving back pain, and you’re likely to find an effective treatment plan if you are persistent.
Chronic back pain is a common issue that affects more than 30 million Americans. It is one of the most frequently cited excuses for missing work, not to mention the second most common reason for doctors visits. While some individuals can accredit their pain to a specific cause, many are the result of the natural aging process. With age, the spine becomes weaker and becomes more prone to injury. Herniated discs, arthritis, spinal narrowing, and other conditions can develop, sometimes leading to significant discomfort.
How to Treat Chronic Back Pain
Many patients are able to manage their back pain through a combination of conservative treatment methods. These are very effective and can offer patients lifetime relief. However, if a patient has exhausted conservative methods, they may be a potential candidate for surgery.
Conservative Methods
The most common recommendation for patients with back pain is to attempt physical therapy. This will teach patients proper posture and effective exercises and can increase their range of motion. Another common at-home treatment is to use alternating hot and cold therapies to reduce inflammation. Additionally, many patients are encouraged to make lifestyle changes including following a healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking, if needed.
If these basic methods are ineffective for patients, there are other options available to them through BEST Health System. One of the more common options is therapeutic injections which can reduce inflammation and chronic pain. There are a variety of types of injections that may be available to patients suffering from chronic pain:
- Facet joint injections
- Trigger point injections
- Nerve block injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Sacroiliac joint injections
Additionally, while alternative therapies are not generally recommended as a stand-alone treatment, they can provide additional pain relief and prevention for patients seeking extra relief. Examples include chiropractic care, yoga, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy.
Surgical Options
Typically saved as a last resort, surgery is another option that you might consider if other methods ultimately prove to be insufficient. For instance, your physician may recommend a spinal decompression or stabilization procedure to help you achieve much-needed back pain relief. But, you’ll want to be sure not to rush into any surgery, as surgical intervention is not necessary for every individual. Your best option is to consult with an experienced physician and develop a conservative treatment plan that incorporates several nonsurgical options, then make any necessary modifications from there.
BEST Health System
If you are interested in learning more about the treatment options available through BEST Health System, contact our team today. It’s time to say goodbye to your chronic pain and get started on your path to recovery. The BEST is yet to come.
