Low Back Pain (LBP) treatments largely depend upon
severity & the type of pain. Normally, a vast majority of LBP cases have
been found to get better within six weeks of time without any requirement of
surgery. Invariably LBP exercises are almost always an integral part of any
treatment plan. However, if pain persists or worsens without yielding any
positive results to non-surgical treatments, more involved diagnostics &
surgical procedures may be required.
What Comes First
Rest of course. Ceasing unnecessary activity for some
days allows injured tissues & nerve roots to heal. There is a catch
however. Rest can also lead muscles to weaken. Weakened muscles subsequently
struggle to adequately support spine. Patients who do not exercise regularly to
build flexibility & strength are found to experience recurring or prolonged
Low Back Pains. Heat & ice packs are also found to relieve many types of
LBP as they reduce inflammation. Both may either be used alternatively or
singularly depending upon patient preference.
Exercise
is Key Element to Treatment
Exercise, invariably is the key element for almost all
types of Low Back Pain treatment plans. Whether you do this at home or with
help of a spine health professional is a matter of choice. Every program must
however essentially integrate stretching, strengthening & aerobic
conditioning. Moreover, these exercises are best done in a controlled &
progressive fashion under a physical therapist, chiropractor or a physiatrist.
Common
Medications for Lower Back Pain
Variety of over-the-counter & prescription medications
are available in order to ease symptoms of Low Back Pain. Some of these
medications eventually reduce inflammation which is more often the basic cause
of pain. Most other medications inhibit transmission of pain signals reaching
the brain. Every medication poses unique risks of side effects & drug
interactions & therefore need careful evaluation by a physician.
Surgical procedures for LBP are usually considered only
after pains have not been relieved with non-surgical methods. Surgery is after
all always a patient’s decision; however, qualified spine surgeon can explain
the need including pros & cons of procedures involved. Laminectomy &
Microdiscectomy have shown good results & significantly reduced pains of
sciatica patients by relieving pressure on compressed nerve roots. Fusion
surgery has been effectively used to stop motion at motion segments. This is in
fact a bigger surgery which can relieve pain caused due to painful motion
segments.
Not the last word anyway. These are just a few of all
possible treatments for LBP which can help patients gain better insight on the
subject. It is recommended that patients seek diagnosis from a physician,
chiropractor or spine specialists in order to determine underlying causes of
LBP alongside appropriate treatment.
