Nonsurgical Options for Managing Back Pain

Nonsurgical Options for Managing Back Pain Summary - Back pain is a widespread problem affecting people of all age groups. The article discusses the causes of back pain and nonsurgical treatment options.

A widespread problem, back pain is experienced by people of all age groups. Reports from Mayo Clinic suggest that about 80 percent of Americans experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. The pain can range from moderate to severe. Surgery can relieve back pain, but in most cases, it is not necessary. Established pain management centers in Brooklyn, offer nonsurgical treatment options to improve or relieve back pain.

Causes Lower back pain can occur due to a wide range of factors. It can occur suddenly due injury to the bones/spines, muscle or ligament strain when lifting a heavy object, incorrect body posture or an accident. It can also occur due to factors such as overweight, poor physical fitness, repetitive movements, and medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or scoliosis.

Symptoms Shooting pain that occurs in the back, sometimes migrating all the way down to the buttocks and legs is common symptom associated with the condition. Other symptoms include –

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Muscle aches

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Limited flexibility or range of motion of the back

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Muscle weakness

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Tingling sensations or numbness

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Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking

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Pain in your leg, hip, or the bottom of your foot

Nonsurgical Treatment Options Diagnosis will begin with a detailed physical examination and evaluation of symptoms. Physicians will evaluate the patient’s ability to sit stand, walk and lift the legs to determine the exact location of the pain. Tests such as X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, bone scan and nerve studies may also be performed to evaluate the soft tissues in the back.

Back pain treatment in Brooklyn involves the use of a variety of nonsurgical modalities to relieve pain and improve muscle strength. A team of healthcare professionals comprising orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists, chiropractors and rehab specialists to diagnose the root cause of the pain provide customized treatment, which is necessary as no single treatment works for everyone. Let’s take a look at these nonsurgical options for back pain management -

Physical therapy – Physical therapy includes therapeutic exercise programs such as general strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises that help improve function and mobility. These exercises help support the spine and its joints including the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENS uses low-voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system and reduces pain.

Heat and Cold Therapy – Heat application relaxes and soothes the muscles and heals the injured tissue. Ice packs reduce inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow to the affected area.

Chiropractic care – Chiropractic treatment involves the application of a specific controlled force to realign the spine, which works to reduce pain and restore mobility. Chiropractors perform spinal manipulation using the hands or a special instrument.

Pain injections – Epidural steroid injections, nerve ablations, and other types of injection-based procedures deliver steroids into the joints, muscles, ligaments or around nerves to reduce inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, and muscle relaxants may be prescribed to alleviate back pain.

Lifestyle changes play an important role in relieving back pain. If being overweight is the cause, losing weight can ease symptoms. Studies suggest that eating a nutritious diet and avoiding sugary and processed foods can reduce inflammation. Practicing proper body mechanics can help prevent the reoccurrence of back pain.