Do you have severe chronic back pain, then you know how devastating it can be . It can make it almost impossible to do anything , and all you can think about is the pain .
Back in the old days , they prescribed bed rest , spinal surgery being your next alternative . Regrettably , while doctors meant well , these suggestions were the least promising ways to treat the severe chronic back pain. Atrophy of the muscles sets in causing decreased body mobility . Doctors now have other treatments available for low back pain, whether severe or moderate .
Surgery As A Last Alternative
A cold compress should be applied at the first onset of pain . This can help maintain mobility in the back, and ease the pain and inflammation . You can create a compress using a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel . Apply this compress for at twenty minutes at a time several times throughout the first day . After a couple of days of cold treatment, heat can be used, like with a rice sack or heating pad . This treatment can relax the muscles and increase the flow of blood to the injured area, promoting healing. A warm bath can also be soothing.
Bed rest can be used, but not alone and not for extended periods. In studies, it has been found that continuing activities without bed rest after back pain can help the back maintain flexibility. Also, it was found that bed rest alone could make the lower back pain more severe and lead to other complications (like blood clots in legs, depression and loss of muscle tone). It is much better to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. At night or while resting, lie on one side with a pillow between the knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees.
Exercise! Particularly before it becomes severe lower back pain. Exercise will strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and that is the key. Generally doctors recommend stretching exercises, walking and swimming. Yoga can also help by stretching the muscles and strengthening the body. Usually, a bit of exercise is a great lower back pain treatment, but if the pain increases, stop exercising and consult your medical practitioner.
Many people find relief of moderate to severe lower back pain by visiting a chiropractor. A chiropractor is trained in the ways to adjust the body and manipulate the spine to fix misalignments that can lead to lower back pain.
Medicines are often heavily relied on to treat severe lower back pain. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor to know that they are safe for you.
Common Drugs To Combat Severe Lower Back Pain
Analgesics (like aspirin or ibuprofen), are taken orally, and help reduce inflammation. Counter-irritants (applied as a spray or cream) stimulate the nerve endings on the skin to feel warm or cold, and dull the pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and help with blood flow. Antidepressants can be used to dull the pain and elevate the person mood.
Opioids, like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, should only be used for the most severe lower back pain, and only for a short amount of time, while under a doctor care. These have many side effects, making this less ideal for treating back pain than some other options.
Back pain affects more than 65 million Americans every year. Learn how to avoid being one of the statistics.
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