If you feel pain in your back, it is important that you consult a doctor as soon as possible. There are many treatment options available 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 restore function.
While most back pain can be treated using nonsurgical methods, 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. However, for most cases, nonsurgical treatments are sufficient.
A physical exam can help determine what type of back pain you’re experiencing. If your pain is accompanied by fever and chills, you may have an infection in the back. 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. 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 may be minor or can result from an accident or impact in sports. Through a series test, your doctor will determine the exact cause of your pain. The doctor will then prescribe the best treatment plan.
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 category, acute, lasts a day or two. The second type, subacute, lasts a week or two and can range from mild to severe.
Lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the risk of back pain. You should avoid sitting for extended periods of time. You should use a pillow and a towel to support your back when you sit down. If you’re sitting all day, you should also keep your feet elevated by a low stool or stack of books. Sleeping on your side can open your spine’s joints and reduce its curvature.
Low back pain may indicate an infection. 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 be sought if the pain is accompanied with fever, loss in leg 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 may include fusing vertebrae together, as well as bone grafts or instrumentation. Physical therapy may be necessary after surgery to aid your body’s healing.
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. 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 can cause pain in your lower back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. Symptoms of AS usually improve with activity. AS can usually be treated with success in most cases.
Doctors may recommend acupuncture in addition to spinal manipulation. These treatments target trigger points that cause back discomfort. In some cases, acupuncture might trigger the release of endorphins. These treatments provide temporary relief but are not recommended to be used for long-term. However, many people who use them report significant improvement in their back pain.