Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Although, lower back pain is difficult and very frustrating, it can be resolved within few weeks. Sometimes, lower back pain is difficult to treat, so having an understanding the cause helps. There are absolute no ‘wonder drugs’ that will treat you of the pain. However, even a simple precaution like avoiding spine injuries completely cures you of the back pain. Some basic steps to alleviate the lower back pain are to use ice, heat and medications. But, when these fail to help, you need advice from an expert. Some signs that show you need immediate attention are:

• Back pain persists for long.
• Pain is so extreme that it awakens you at night.
• Fever, chills, sweats, or infection.

For many lower back pains, the first treatments are as follows.

Rest
Lower back pain, in most cases, is caused by strain on the spine. Most of the pains are caused by muscle strain. Hence, it’s important to give proper rest to muscles and spine to avoid further irritation. Bed rest is alright for 2 to 3 days but, if you exceed more, it can actually lead to more persistent lower back pain. Once, the pain eases, avoid lifting, twisting and physical exertion.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication or NSAIDs, as they are generally known, help in treating back and related pain. They are not encouraged, until you have chronic back pain, because of their side effects. Patients with stomach ulcers should not be given such medication at all.

Heat Application
Using heat packs relieves from almost all kinds of back pains. Patients can use any of the following heating techniques; heating pad, hot water bottles, or a hot water bath, to ease the muscle discomfort.

Exercises
Strengthening lower back muscles is the best way to treat back pain. There are exercises that help strengthen lower back muscles and also provide flexibility. By exercising, i.e. by strengthening back muscles, the weight is distributed properly, which helps in less strain on the spine.

If the above treatments don’t work, you need to go for higher treatments under the guidance of a physician. Some of these treatments are:

Narcotic Pain Medications
When the back pain persists, physicians advice narcotic pain medications which are excellent at relieving pain. But, these medicines can be dangerous and must be taken under physicians supervision. The medications include Perocet, Vicoden, Oxycontin and others. Prolonged use of these medications can be lethal.

Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers are readily available in the market and are very helpful, for various kinds of back pain. They are sold under the trade name of Flexeril, Soma, Valium and others. The medications help in relieving pain but, make patients dozy.

Spine Surgery
When all other treatments fail to relieve lower back pain, spinal surgery is the last resort. Before taking a decision to undergo a spine surgery, consult an orthopedist, who will guide you on which kind of surgery to undergo. Some spine surgeries are:

• Disectomy
• Foramenotomy
• Laminectomy

There are some alternate methods to get relief from lower back pain, other than the above mentioned treatments. See a chiropractor and he will advice you massage therapy or acupuncture. Although, there has been a lot of debate on the treatment by acupuncture, people who have undergone the treatment, have benefited a lot.