Do you know that over sixty-five million Americans are suffering from back pain every year? That is how common back pain is nowadays. Because of this various research and studies were made and with the advance in medical and technology today, various treatment options are now available for people who suffers from back pain. But then again not all this options fits each individual that is why it is important that you talk with your doctor regarding the best treatment option for you.
Read further to know the different options of treatment for back pain that is readily available today. These back pain treatments options are categorize into three.
Medications or Drug Therapies
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). These types of medications lessen inflammation and swelling. It promotes healing. If this is taken in small dosage, it can be a mild pain reliever but if taken in large or high dosage and in regular basis then you will readily experiences its anti inflammatory effect. Some of the NSAID drug is Ketoprofen, Naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Another type of NSAID is COX-2 inhibitors which includes medicines like Celebrex.
Acetaminophen. These are analgesic medications which are use to cure acute or chronic pain. These medications are the common alternative of NSAID. Unfortunately these medications bring side effects to the body. It can bring kidney and liver damage. Acetaminophen includes Valadol, Phenaphen, Anacin-3 and Tylenol.
Muscle Relaxants. These medications are prescribed by doctors for severe pain although some expert says NSAIDs are just as effective. Muscle Relaxants includes methocarbamol, carisoprodol, diazepam and cyclobenzaprine.
Opioids. These drugs are not regularly prescribed by doctors since these medications have an addictive nature and doctors believe that they do more harm to the patient instead of treating them. Opioids can include meperidine, codeine, morphine and many more.
Spinal Injections. A local anesthetic is usually used to numb the injection area and a steroid medication like corticosteroid is injected to lessen the inflammation in the affected areas.
Facet Joint Injection. If the cause of back pain originates in the facet joint then a facet joint injection may lessen the inflammation and brings fast pain relief. Fluoroscopy is use by the doctor to ensure that the needle is accurately placed before the medicine is injected.
Epidural Steroid Injection. This involves medication injected into the epidural space. This brings immediate relief to back pain.
Surgery
Discectomy. This procedure is often use in conditions like herniated disc were it involves removing the soft gel-like material in disc thus relieving pressure in the nerve.
Laminectomy and Laminotomy. These procedures involve the removal of the whole lamina (Laminectomy) or partial removal of the lamina (laminotomy). This lamina is a small bony plate which you will find at the back of the vertebra. Removal of the entire lamina or part of it gives the surgeon entry to the disc. This procedure is often use in conditions like Spondylolisthesis and Spinal Stenosis.
Foraminotomy. It is a surgical procedure which is use to widen the opening where the nerve exits the spinal canal. This procedure is usually done to cure conditions like pinched nerve or compressed nerve.
Spinal Fusion. This is another surgical procedure which often uses instrumentation like rods, screws or metal plates. This procedure is often done to stabilize the spine.
Alternative Treatments
Acupuncture. It is one of the oldest alternatives in the whole world. Plenty of research and studies have been documented already regarding its effectivity. One researched showed that treatment using acupuncture lessens pain severity compared to physiotherapy. The study concluded then that acupuncture can relieved pain and lessens the disability in low back pain during pregnancy much better than physiotherapy ( Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavia 2000).
Chiropractic. Professionals who perform chiropractic are called chiropractors. They do not perform surgery nor prescribe drugs. This treatment involves manipulation of spine to correct vertebral imbalance and misalignment.
Physical Therapy. To treat back pain that is cause of strains or sprains, arthritis, muscle spasms and other back problems, physical therapy is always recommended. This is an important part of any treatment plan especially following a spine surgery. Its ultimate goal is to help the patient recover fast and builds up the patient’s endurance, flexibility and strength. Physical therapy is very good when combined with other forms of treatment like cold and heat therapy, electrical stimulating and massage.
The most important thing of all is not to ignore when back pain strikes you especially if it is a persistent one. Always consult your doctor. The right diagnosis is the first step so as to develop the right treatment plan just for you.