Lower Back Pain and the Road to Recovery? One of the most misunderstood aspects of back pain is that there are no simple cures that can take you out of this agonizing condition. There are different paths you can take, starting with medication to help relieve the pain as well as help to manage the recurrence of the pain. There are also many alternative treatments available to those who are looking for answers.
What is back pain? It is the pain that you feel all over your body in the area, which is typically the lower region. This pain can be caused by many things such as a pulled muscle, disc problems, or even pinched nerves. You should always see your doctor if you have persistent, severe, or recurrent lower back pain.
Lower back pain and the road to recovery are not easy. In fact, it can be downright exhausting. You will experience pain and soreness, which can take all your effort to do simple activities. Lifts stretch, sitting, or lying down and just getting out of bed can all be difficult. Lower back pain and the road to recovery can also be quite emotional, depending on how long you have been dealing with it.
It is important that you do not just give up because you have suffered from back pain. It may take time, but you will find relief. Take your time to determine what your best course of action will be. Do some research on the internet and in your local library. Look at before and after pictures of people who have dealt with pain and how they have managed to get on with their lives. This will give you a better understanding of what your own personal road to recovery might look like.
If you do decide to try over-the-counter medications or prescription pain medicine, make sure that you discuss the possible side effects with your doctor. Do not take these medications unless your doctor tells you that it is okay. Many of these medications are meant to help ease the pain, and can actually make the pain worse. Some people end up with infections because the medicines have an adverse effect on the body. Also, be sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or any other prescription or nonprescription medication for yourself or someone else. Certain pain medications may interact with them or cause serious liver damage.
If none of the above options are successful, there are several other things that one can try in order to relieve lower back pain. One such treatment option is spinal manipulation, this consists of a chiropractor applying controlled forces into various joints of the back. This can help to release tension that is in the muscles, tendons and ligaments that are supporting the spine. Physical therapy may also be recommended for people with back pain that persists.
People suffering from lower back pain can find relief by using heat. You can purchase heat wraps or even electric blankets that you can place over your lower back to reduce inflammation and provide some pain relief. There are several over-the-counter medications that are available without a prescription that will provide temporary pain relief as well. You can try over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol to soothe and reduce the pain.
Of course, there is always surgery, but this is not usually recommended for back pain, since most physicians feel that surgery has a high risk of requiring additional pain medications and therefore creating a vicious cycle. Lower back pain is usually treatable. If you suffer from chronic or acute lower back pain, consult with a physician about your treatment options.
