If your back is hurting, it is important to see a doctor right away. There are many treatments for back pain available. Some relief may be provided by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and over-the counter pain relievers. Physical therapy is another option. It can strengthen the muscles that support your spine and improve flexibility. It can also help prevent injuries from happening again. Massage therapy can also restore function.
While many common types of back pain can be treated with nonsurgical treatments, 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. For most cases, however, nonsurgical treatment is sufficient.
A physical exam will help determine the cause of your back pain. If your pain is accompanied by fever and chills, you may have an infection in the back. 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 your spine can be caused by bacteria. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor immediately.
Injuries to the muscles, discs, and joints of the spine are the most common causes for back pain. These injuries can be minor or may result from an injury sustained in a sport or car accident. Your doctor will ultimately diagnose the cause of your pain using a series of tests. The doctor will then prescribe the best treatment plan.
Most people experience mild or moderate back pain, but severe back pain can be a constant, debilitating pain. Most doctors categorize back pain as either acute, subacute, or chronic. The first category, acute, lasts a day or two. 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, you should avoid sitting in one position for long periods of time. Make sure you have a pillow or a rolled up towel for your back while you are seated. If you sit all day, a low stool or stack books can be used to elevate your feet. Sleeping on your back can open up your spine joints and reduce 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. You will get the best treatment if you can quickly diagnose the problem. If the pain is accompanied by fever, loss of leg strength, or difficulty urinating, medical attention should be sought.
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 include fusing vertebrae together, as well as bone grafts or instrumentation. You may need physical therapy after surgery to help your body heal.
Other treatments for back pain include pain medication. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to relieve the pain and relax tight muscle. 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 characterized by inflammation of your sacroiliac joint, which connect your spine and your pelvis. This inflammation causes pain in the low back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. AS symptoms usually improve with activity. AS can be successfully treated in most cases.
Doctors may also recommend acupuncture. These treatments target the trigger points that cause back pain. In some cases, acupuncture can trigger the release endorphins. However, these treatments only give temporary relief and are not recommended for long-term use. However, many people who use them report significant improvement in their back pain.