It is important that you see a doctor if your back hurts. There are many remedies for back pain. Some relief can be found in the form of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or over-the-counter painkillers. Another option 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 common types of back pain can be treated with nonsurgical treatments, 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. For most cases, however, nonsurgical treatment is sufficient.
A physical exam can help determine what type of back pain you’re experiencing. A possible infection in your back could be causing your pain and accompanying fever and chills. 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. Bacteria can cause infections of the spine. These symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately.
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. Ultimately, your doctor will diagnose the exact cause of your pain through a series of tests. A doctor will then determine a treatment plan that is best suited for you.
Most people experience mild to moderate back pain. However, severe back pain can cause constant, debilitating discomfort. Back pain is usually classified by doctors as either chronic, subacute, and acute. Acute pain lasts for 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. When sitting, make sure to use a pillow or rolled-up towel. You can also elevate your feet with a low stool, stack of books, or if you are seated all day. You can also sleep on your side to open your spine and reduce its curvature.
A lower back pain that isn’t normal may indicate an infection or underlying medical condition. There are many treatment options depending on the source of the pain. You will get the best treatment if you can quickly diagnose the problem. Medical attention should be sought if the pain is accompanied with fever, loss in leg strength, or difficulty urinating.
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 can involve the fusion of vertebrae with bone grafts and 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 antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), reduce inflammation without side effects such as cortisone. If you have a slipped or damaged disc, your doctor may recommend an MRI.
AS is characterized by inflammation of your sacroiliac joint, which connect your spine and your pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. AS symptoms generally improve with exercise. 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 might trigger the release of endorphins. These treatments provide temporary relief but are not recommended to be used for long-term. Many people who use them report significant improvements in their back pain.