Chronic Back Pain Relief

Chronic Back Pain Relief

Back pain is one of the most prevalent ailments in modern society. It can range in intensity from mild and uncomfortable to debilitating, but most episodes of back pain are temporary and eventually resolve on their own.

When suffering from chronic back pain, your healthcare provider may suggest more specialized treatment. Usually, they’ll refer you to a physical therapist who can teach exercises designed to reduce discomfort and enhance movement.

Your doctor may order X-rays to examine your spine and rule out serious conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis or fractures. MRI or CT scans can reveal problems with bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that could be causing any pain you are feeling.

Physical therapy can help you develop strength and flexibility in the back and core muscles to relieve pressure on your spine. Maintaining the exercise routine developed during physical therapy will help prevent pain from returning.

Other treatments, such as acupuncture, can also reduce inflammation that causes back pain. Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at different points and depths to stimulate your central nervous system and encourage natural healing within your body.

If non-prescription treatments for back pain don’t provide relief, your doctor may suggest cortisone injections to decrease inflammation around the spinal cord and nerve roots. While these injections reduce inflammation and pain, their effects typically last only a few months.

You might consider visiting a neurologist or physiatrist to get treatment for the nerves causing your discomfort. These specialists are proficient in diagnosing and treating pain that originates in the lower body, such as from a lumbar herniated disc or abdominal aortic aneurysm.