If your back is hurting, it is important to see a doctor right away. There are many treatment options available for back pain. Some relief can be found in the form of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or over-the-counter painkillers. Another option is physical therapy. It can strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility. It can also help prevent further injuries. Massage therapy can also aid in restoring function.
While many common types of back pain can be treated with nonsurgical treatments, some conditions require surgery. If your back pain is severe, such as from spinal stenosis and tumors in the spine canal, surgery is usually necessary. Nonsurgical treatments are usually sufficient in most cases.
A physical exam can help you determine the type of back pain that you are experiencing. A back infection is possible if your pain is accompanied with fever and chills. Patients who are on dialysis, IV drug addicts, or have had recent skin infections are at greater risk of developing spinal infection. Bacteria can cause infections of the spine. You should see a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Back pain is most commonly caused by injuries to the muscles and discs or the joints of your spine. These injuries can be minor or may result from an injury sustained in a sport or car accident. Your doctor will eventually diagnose the exact cause of pain by performing a series tests. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Most people experience mild or moderate back pain, but severe back pain can be a constant, debilitating pain. Back pain is usually classified by doctors as either chronic, subacute, and acute. The first, acute, lasts only a few hours. The second type, subacute lasts for about a week and can range from mildly severe to severe.
Lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the risk of back pain. For example, you should avoid sitting in one position for long periods of time. You should use a pillow and a towel to support your back when you sit down. If you are sitting for long periods of time, you can elevate your feet by using a stool or stacks of books. You can also sleep on your side to open your spine and reduce its curvature.
Lower back pain could be a sign of an infection, or a medical problem. There are many treatment options depending on the source of the pain. It is important to quickly diagnose the problem in order to determine the best treatment. You should seek medical attention if you feel the pain is accompanied or exacerbated by fever, loss strength, or difficulty urinating.
Your doctor might perform surgery to relieve your pain if it is caused by a disc. Neurosurgeons can use minimally-invasive techniques or perform a more extensive decompression procedure. These procedures can involve the fusion of vertebrae with bone grafts and instrumentation. After surgery, you may need physical therapy to help your body heal.
Other treatments for back pain include pain medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are a way to reduce back pain and relax tight muscles. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), reduce inflammation without side effects such as cortisone. A doctor may recommend that you have an MRI done if you have a slipped disk. This will allow your doctor to pinpoint the location of the disc.
The first symptom of AS is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect your spine to your pelvis. This inflammation causes pain in your low back. In severe cases, prolonged periods of rest can worsen symptoms. AS symptoms usually improve with activity. AS can be treated in most cases.
Doctors may also recommend acupuncture. These treatments target the trigger areas that cause back pain. In some cases, acupuncture may trigger endorphin release. These treatments provide temporary relief but are not recommended to be used for long-term. Many people who use them report significant relief from back pain.