If your back is hurting, it is important to see a doctor right away. There are many options for back pain. Some relief can be obtained with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain medications. Physical therapy is another option for treatment. It can strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility. It can also help prevent further injuries. Massage therapy can also help restore function.
Many common back pain conditions can be treated non-surgically. However, there are some cases that require surgery. If your back pain is due to a serious condition such as spinalstenosis or tumors within the spinal canal, you may need surgery. However, for most cases, nonsurgical treatments are sufficient.
A physical exam can help determine what type of back pain you’re experiencing. A possible infection in your back could be causing your pain and accompanying 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. Infections of your spine can be caused by bacteria. You should see a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Injuries to the muscles, discs, and joints of the spine are the most common causes for back pain. These injuries can be minor, or result from an impact in sports or a 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 to moderate back discomfort, but severe back problems can cause permanent, debilitating pain. Back pain can be classified as acute, subacute or chronic by most doctors. Acute pain lasts for a few days. The second, subacute, lasts for a week or so and can range in severity from mild to severe.
Lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the risk of back pain. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. You should use a pillow and a towel to support your back when you sit down. If you sit all day, a low stool or stack books can be used to elevate your feet. Sleeping on your side can open your spine’s joints 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. You will get the best treatment if you can quickly diagnose the problem. You should seek medical attention if you feel the pain is accompanied or exacerbated by fever, loss strength, or difficulty urinating.
If the pain is caused by a disc, your doctor may perform surgery to relieve the pressure. The choice is between minimally-invasive or more extensive decompression procedures by neurosurgeons. These procedures can involve the fusion of vertebrae with bone grafts and instrumentation. To help your body heal after surgery, physical therapy may be required.
Pain medication can also be used to treat back pain. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to relieve the pain and relax tight muscle. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation without producing side effects like 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.
AS starts with inflammation of your sacroiliac joints. These connect your spine to the pelvis. This inflammation causes pain in the low back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. AS symptoms improve with activity. AS can be treated in most cases.
Doctors may also recommend acupuncture. These treatments target trigger points that cause back discomfort. In some cases, the acupuncture may trigger the release of endorphins. These treatments do not provide long-term relief and are not recommended. Many people who use these treatments report significant improvement in back pain.