Relieving Back Pain: Exercise and Medication – lorazepamum.com
What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a common problem that many adults experience, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. It can be ongoing or sudden and brief, known as acute pain. Causes of back pain include muscle pulls, spasms, nerve irritation, and spinal abnormalities.
How is back pain diagnosed?
To diagnose back pain, your doctor will assess your symptoms and ask questions about when the pain started and any recent changes in activities. If the pain persists or worsens after a few weeks, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further management options.
Prescription Measures
In cases of chronic lower back pain, your physician may prescribe stronger medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. For nerve pain like sciatica, which is caused by a bulging disc in the lower back, anesthetic medications may be injected to reduce inflammation.
You can also try managing your pain at home with the following measures:
Exercise:
It is recommended to resume normal or near-normal activity as soon as possible.
Rest:
Prolonged bed rest is not advised as it can lead to a longer recovery period. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees or lying on your back with a pillow under your knees may increase comfort.
Cold and Heat:
Using ice or heat can provide relief. Heat helps improve blood flow and relaxes back muscles, while cold compresses can reduce swelling and numb the area.
How Back Pain is Prevented?
Meditation and relaxation practices can help reduce stress levels and inflammation. These techniques do not eliminate physical movement but help the brain cope with pain better. Additionally, there are several things you can do at home to prevent future back pain and improve your overall back health.
Pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful, but it is important to take them only as directed by your physician to avoid serious side effects.
Muscle relaxants: If mild to moderate back pain does not improve with pain relievers, a muscle relaxant may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.
Topical pain relievers: Products such as salves, ointments, patches, and creams can deliver pain-relieving substances through the skin.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises to strengthen back and abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. Regularly practicing these techniques can help prevent the recurrence of pain. Physical therapists also provide education on modifying movements during back pain to avoid exacerbating symptoms.