- Try Using Several Options at Once
If you are experiencing back pain and believe you may have an annular tear, it is important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and it is not always a result of a tear. If you have been diagnosed with an annular tear, and are going through treatment, there are a few things you can do to make your treatment as effective as possible.
Although different types of annular tear treatment can be effective on their own, developing a comprehensive plan incorporating several options is usually the best approach. Most commonly, a doctor will suggest that a patient chooses one pain relief medication (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen), one exercise-based treatment (learn more here) *insert link to 558*, and one option for breakthrough pain (heat therapy, cold therapy, epidural injections, and pain patches).
- Consider Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Adding in alternative treatment options can be very effective and may speed up the recovery process. Some options include:
- Yoga
- Chiropractic care
- Therapeutic massage
- Aromatherapy
Although these options are less effective at repairing the actual tear, they can alleviate pain and help the patient begin physical exercise again, which is a huge step in the recovery process. Like other complementary therapies, patients should consult with their doctor to see if any of these practices would help, as some cases are more serious than others.
- If Surgery Is Necessary, Evaluate all Your Options
Conservative annular tear treatments are typically recommended before a patient is considered for surgery. If severe discomfort persists despite nonsurgical treatment, an operation could be the next step.
There are a few options for individuals who choose to get surgery. If you are interested in learning more about BEST Health System’s options when it comes to annular tear surgery, connect with our team to learn about what the next step is for you.
