Treating Back Pain The Modern Way

Have you ever suffered from back pain? If so, then you already know how devastating and debilitating the condition can be. It can keep you from working, from playing and even from sleeping.

Back pain can make it impossible to get comfortable, and life can essentially come to a standstill. Fortunately, finding effective ways of treating back pain is now easier than ever before.

More than 65 million Americans a year report some sort of back pain. This condition is so common that it's actually become one of the leading reasons that people seek medical care.

Aside from the obvious pain that comes with it, back pain is also highly inconvenient. It can disrupt your work, family commitments, and routine daily activities. Some people suffering from back pain find that they're forced to forego taking part in recreational activities and sports, simply because the required movements would put too much stress on their backs. Others are in so much pain that tasks as simple as standing up become impossible feats.

Through recent advances in medical research, science and technology, many new treatment options are available for people who suffer with chronic back pain. Each method offers a different way of tackling the pain. Every patient is unique, as well, so it's important to get a doctor's advice before treating back pain.

Some common back pain treatment options are as follows:

Medicinal Therapy

A wide variety of drugs are now available to treat various symptoms and causes of back pain. These medications include pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and relaxants to ease muscle tension and spasm. Some of these drugs are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Many of these medications can bring about side effects, so be sure to consult your doctor before taking any of them.

Here are some of the drugs commonly used in treating back pain:

* Acetaminophen: Anacin 3, Tylenol, Phenaphen, and Valadol

* Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Ketoprofen

* COX-2 Inhibitors: Celecoxib

* Opioids: morphine and codeine

* Muscle relaxants: Valium, Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine

Chiropractic Treatment

More and more back pain sufferers are finding relief with chiropractic care. It's an effective manual manipulation of the bones, performed by a professional chiropractor, therapist or other qualified health professional. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve back pain by taking pressure off of sensitive neurological tissues to restore and increase blood flow. This triggers a series of chemical reactions in the body and releases endorphins and other natural pain killing hormones.

Epidural Injections

This "passive" method of treating back pain is applied directly to the individual. Steroid medications are injected into the spine. As the drugs travel throughout the entire spinal column, inflammation of the affected area is decreased and the patient enjoys welcome pain relief.

Massage Treatment

This is a therapeutic treatment that can bring relief for patients with lower back pain. By manually manipulating the muscles, your therapist can help to improve the blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness and increase your range of motion. Massage can also trigger your body to release endorphins and other natural pain killers.

Patients with back pain are no longer forced to give their lives over to the discomfort. Today, back pain can be effectively treated in many different ways. To find the treatment method that's best for you, speak with your doctor.