Low back pain is a common complaint reported among the general population. Once it begins, however, what do you do? Here are 5 ways to help manage those sudden bouts of back pain. This guide is for people who are experiencing mild low back pain. For instance, in the event that you woke up with back pain or you overdid it at the gym and now have muscle strain pain, the following back pain management treatment strategies are right for you.

 

• Rest (but just a bit). If your back hurts, take a rest. Lie down and avoid overusing your muscles for some time. This doesn’t mean remain in bed for a week. Actually, a lot of rest can make your back pain worse. After a brief break, get up, move around, and stretch. You will find it really helps reduce that nagging backache.
• Try over-the-counter medications. There are several types of drugs and/or medications which can help ease back pain. Some medications relax muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Many can be found over-the-counter in the regional pharmacy. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, require your physician’s written consent. Some medications used for back pain include: acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen). Although these can help reduce symptoms of back pain, the effects are only meant to be temporary. If back pain persists, follow some of the other treatment strategies.
• Attempt cold/heat therapy. Cold treatment can help decrease muscle soreness, inflammation, and pain. Cold therapy might be recommended following a strain or a sprain. Apply ice to your back, take a cool bath, or use iced towels/compresses, cold packs, ice cubes. Some healthcare professionals recommend utilizing heat therapy only on very select situations, as this can increase inflammation and symptoms.
• Get a massage. Massage is a popular therapy that can help alleviate stiffness, spasms, inflammation, aches, muscle tension, and pain. It can also help improve circulation, flexibility, and range of movement. Massage can be managed by a professional, such as a massage therapist, or you can give yourself a mini-massage utilizing hand-held massagers which could help increase blood flow and alleviate pain.
• Visit a doctor. The most crucial thing to remember about periodic bouts of back pain is that if they happen more frequently, increase in length (lasting more than a few days), or the pain begins to interfere with your usual activities, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. It might be more than just a sudden case of low back pain.

 

The good thing is that many lower spine issues can be treated with non-surgical treatments. Back pain that goes untreated can get worse, so it’s a good idea to manage your back pain now. You don’t need your bout of back pain to develop into a chronic pain health issue. Furthermore, some healthcare professionals are back pain specialists which can help treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions which may be the source of your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a recommended back pain management treatment strategy.

 

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

 

Back pain management treatment strategies are chosen by people looking for back pain relief options. Chiropractors are visited by about 22 million Americans annually. Of them, 7.7 million, or 35 percent, are looking for relief from back pain due to various causes, including trauma or injury from accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other ailments include radiating pain in the arms, neck and legs as well as headaches.

 

What is Chiropractic Care?

 

Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as other alternative treatment methods, to maintain the proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, in order to allow the human body to naturally heal itself. Chiropractic care can help restore mobility to joints limited by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event or stress, such as sitting without proper back support. It is occasionally used in conjunction with traditional therapy.

 

What Does Chiropractic for Back Pain Involve?

 

A chiropractor primarily takes a medical history, performs a physical exam, and may use diagnostic imaging or lab tests to determine if treatment is appropriate for your back pain. The treatment plan may involve one of more alterations where the doctor adjusts and manipulates the joints with a controlled force to improve high quality and range of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate counseling and exercise/rehabilitation to the treatment program. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of future injury in addition to back pain relief.

 

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care?

 

Chiropractic care is usually considered a safe and effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from shifting furniture or getting handled. Acute pain, which can be much more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better by itself, however, it may worsen if left untreated for an extended period of time.

 

Research has also demonstrated chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. Additionally, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis may react to the treatment methods utilized both by chiropractors and professionals of deep tissue massage. Studies have not confirmed the potency of sclerotherapy or prolotherapy used by some chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, to treat chronic back pain, the sort of pain which may come on suddenly or slowly and continue for more than three months. The treatment involves injections, such as anesthetic or sugar water, in hopes of strengthening the ligaments in the back.

 

Individuals who have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, arthritis, or those who take blood-thinning medications, should first talk to their healthcare professional about participating in chiropractic care treatment strategies. Patients with a history of cancer must obtain clearance from their doctor as well before undergoing chiropractic care.

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for chiropractor office visits. Back pain can be caused by a number of injuries and/or aggravated conditions and it can range from mild to severe. Whether you’re experiencing dull and achy pain or burning and spasming pain, finding the proper treatment strategies for the management of your back pain can determine whether your quality of life will be compromised or not. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which can help restore the proper alignment of your spine, allowing your body to naturally heal itself without the need for drugs and/or medications or surgical interventions.

 

All treatment relies on an accurate diagnosis of your back pain. The chiropractor ought to be informed concerning your health history, including previous medical conditions, current medications, traumatic/surgical history, and lifestyle factors. There are cases where therapy was not effective towards the treatment of a herniated or slipped disc, although uncommon, and other complications may occur. To be safe, check to make sure that your condition will benefit from chiropractic care. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

 

Additional Topics: Back Pain

 

According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.

 

EXTRA IMPORTANT TOPIC: Back Pain Treatment

 

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