It is important to consult a doctor immediately if your back hurts. There are many treatments for back pain available. 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 your spine and improve mobility. It can also help prevent injuries from happening again. Massage therapy can also aid in restoring function.
While many types of back pain can usually be treated with nonsurgical treatment, some conditions require surgery. Surgical treatment is typically necessary if your back pain is caused by a serious condition, such as spinal stenosis or tumors in the spinal canal. However, for most cases, nonsurgical treatments are sufficient.
A physical exam will help determine the cause of your back pain. 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. Infections of spine are usually caused by bacteria. 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 mild or severe, and may occur from an accident, sports injury or an injury to the spine. Your doctor will eventually diagnose the exact cause of pain by performing a series tests. The doctor will then devise a treatment plan that is most effective for you.
Most people experience mild to moderate back pain. However, severe back pain can cause constant, debilitating discomfort. Back pain can be classified as acute, subacute or chronic by most doctors. The first, acute, lasts only a few hours. Subacute can last up to a week. It can be mild or severe.
Lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the risk of back pain. For example, it is best to avoid sitting in one place for prolonged periods of times. Make sure you have a pillow or a rolled up towel for your back while you are seated. If you are sitting for long periods of time, you can elevate your feet by using a stool or stacks of books. Sleeping on your side can open your spine’s joints and reduce its curvature.
A lower back pain that isn’t normal may indicate an infection or underlying medical condition. The cause of the pain can have a variety of treatment options. It is important to quickly diagnose the problem in order to determine the best treatment. Medical attention should always be sought if the pain is accompanied a fever, loss of leg strength, difficulty urinating, or other symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pain caused by a disc. Neurosurgeons can use minimally-invasive techniques or perform a more extensive decompression procedure. These procedures may involve fusing vertebrae together with bone grafts or instrumentation. Physical therapy may be necessary after surgery to aid your body’s healing.
Pain medication can also be used to treat back pain. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help reduce the pain while also relaxing tight muscles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), which reduce inflammation, do not have 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 is first manifested by inflammation of the sacroiliac bones, which connect your spine with your pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in your lower 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 recommend acupuncture, in addition to spinal manipulation. These treatments target the trigger areas that cause back pain. In some cases, acupuncture may trigger endorphin release. These treatments are temporary and not recommended for long-term treatment. Many people who use these treatments report significant improvement in back pain.