It is important to consult a doctor immediately if your back hurts. There are many options for back pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provide some relief. 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.
While most back pain can be treated using nonsurgical methods, 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 determine what type of back pain you’re experiencing. A back infection is possible if your pain is accompanied with fever and chills. Spinal infections are more common in people who have recently had skin infections, IV drug users, or those who have undergone dialysis. Bacteria can cause infections of the spine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor immediately.
The most common causes of back pain are injuries to the muscles, discs, or joints of the spine. These injuries can be minor or may result from an injury sustained in a sport or car accident. Through a series test, your doctor will determine the exact cause of your pain. 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, or acute, category lasts for just a few days. The second type, subacute lasts for about a week and can range from mildly severe to severe.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing back pain. For example, it is best to avoid sitting in one place for prolonged periods of times. Use a pillow or a rolled-up towel when you are sitting. You can also elevate your feet with a low stool, stack of books, or if you are seated all day. 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. The best treatment is possible with a quick diagnosis. You should seek medical attention if you feel the pain is accompanied or exacerbated by fever, loss strength, or difficulty urinating.
Your doctor may perform surgery to relieve the pain if the disc is the cause. A neurosurgeon can either use minimally-invasive techniques, or perform a more complex decompression procedure. These procedures may involve the joining of vertebrae, bone grafts, or instrumentation. To help your body heal after surgery, physical therapy may be required.
Pain medication is another treatment for back pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are a way to reduce back pain and relax tight muscles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), which reduce inflammation, do not have side effects like cortisone. Your doctor may recommend an MRI to determine the exact location of a slipped disc.
AS is first manifested by inflammation of the sacroiliac bones, which connect your spine with your pelvis. This inflammation causes pain in the low back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. AS symptoms generally improve with exercise. AS can usually be treated with success in most cases.
Doctors may recommend acupuncture in addition to spinal manipulation. These treatments target the trigger points that cause back pain. In some cases, acupuncture can trigger the release endorphins. These treatments do not provide long-term relief and are not recommended. However, many people who use them report significant improvement in their back pain.