It is important to consult a doctor immediately if your back hurts. There are many remedies for back pain. Some relief can be obtained with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain medications. Another option for treatment is physical therapy. It can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and improve your flexibility. It can also help prevent further injuries. 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. If your back pain is due to a serious condition such as spinalstenosis or tumors within the spinal canal, you may need surgery. Nonsurgical treatments are usually sufficient in most cases.
A physical exam is a good way to determine the cause of the back pain. If you experience severe pain, fever, and chills, it could be an infection. Spinal infections are more common among people who use IV drugs, those who have recently been diagnosed with skin cancers, and those who have recently undergone dialysis. Infections of the spine are caused by bacteria. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor immediately.
Back pain can be caused by injuries to the muscles or discs of the spine. These injuries may be minor or can result from an accident or impact in sports. Ultimately, your doctor will diagnose the exact cause of your pain through a series of tests. The doctor will then devise a treatment plan that is most effective for you.
Most people experience mild to moderate back discomfort, but severe back problems can cause permanent, debilitating pain. Most doctors classify back pain as either acute or subacute. The first category, acute, lasts a day or two. The second, subacute, lasts for a week or so and can range in severity from mild to severe.
Lifestyle changes are also possible to reduce the likelihood of back problems. You should avoid sitting for extended periods of time. 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 back can open up your spine joints and reduce curvature.
Pain that occurs in your lower back may be indicative of an infection or an underlying medical problem. There are many treatment options available depending on the reason for the pain. 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 perform surgery to relieve the pain if the disc is the cause. 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. You may need physical therapy after surgery to help your body heal.
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. If you have a slipped or damaged disc, your doctor may recommend an MRI.
AS starts with inflammation of your sacroiliac joints. These connect your spine to the pelvis. This inflammation causes pain in your low back. In severe cases, prolonged rest can worsen the symptoms. AS symptoms improve with activity. In most cases, AS can be treated successfully.
Aside from spinal manipulation, doctors may also recommend acupuncture. These treatments target trigger points that cause back discomfort. In some cases, acupuncture may trigger endorphin release. 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.