Medical And Family History
Your doctor will ask questions about your medical and family history to help determine if an injury or underlying medical condition is the source for the back pain. Some questions your doctor may ask:
- Can you describe your pain?
- Where is the exact location of your back pain?
- When did the pain start and how long have you had the pain?
- What were you doing when you first noticed the pain?
- How severe or bad is the pain?
- What makes the pain worse or better?
Your doctor may ask you to rate your pain on a scale from 1 to 10 to gauge the severity of the pain and talk to you about your ability to perform activities of daily living.
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Steroid Injections For Severe Back Pain
Cortisone injections are usually a temporary solution. While they can be effective at reducing inflammation and providing short-term relief, its recommended that patients try less invasive options first.
Common sprains and strains arent candidates for steroid injections. Rather, these are reserved for more extreme cases of chronic back pain like debilitating nerve pain and ruptured discs.
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How To Prevent Low Back Pain
To prevent low back pain, there are many possible ways. Besides, these prevention techniques will help you get rid of the severe symptoms of back pain.
Some preventing techniques involve:
- Losing weight if you are obese
- While lifting heavy objects, be in the squat position
- Daily exercise your back and abdomen muscle
You can also try
Release Your Inner Endorphins
Endorphins are hormones made naturally in your body. What many people dont know is that endorphins may help block pain signals from registering in your brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, which are all associated with chronic back pain and often make the pain worse.
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How Is Low Back Pain Treated
There are many treatment options for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain.
- Medicine: Your health care professional may suggest a medicine to reduce pain and swelling or to relax your muscles.
- Most medicines are taken by mouth, but some are given as a shot or through an IV tube in your arm.
- Some medicines are available over the counter, and for some you need a prescription.
Low back pain often improves in 4 weeks or less. In some cases, it may take 12 weeks or more for low back pain to improve. For many people, low back pain improves without specific treatment.
The tables below list some treatments for acute low back pain and subacute low back pain . The tables also list what researchers have found about how well the treatments work to reduce pain. For some of the treatments, there is also research on how well the treatments help you return to your daily activities.
| Treatment |
|---|
| Acetaminophen | A type of medicine to reduce painNote: Acetaminophen is different from NSAIDs in that it only reduces pain and does not reduce swelling. | Acetaminophen does not appear to reduce pain, but more research is needed to know this for sure. |
|---|
| Treatment |
|---|
What about other treatments that are not listed in this summary?
Back Surgery For Severe Back Pain Relief
Back surgery is typically recommended when other, more conservative treatments arent able to help you feel better. Back surgery can be used to treat herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spine injuries and even severe lower back pain. When its done under the right circumstances and at the right time, back surgery can be an effective long-term solution for chronic back pain.
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When To See A Spine Specialist For Chronic Back Pain
Sometimes back pain comes on quick, and you know exactly what caused it. After some stretching, resting and pain relievers, you’ll remember to bend with your knees next time.
But, other times, people experiencing back pain are often left thinking: I don’t even remember when the pain started or what I did to cause it. The reality is that the source of you back pain may not always be evident which can also make it hard to know when it’s time to see an expert.
Dr. Hwang says the following five signs likely indicate that it’s time to see a spine specialist for your back pain:
1. Your pain is severe. While some back pain is only mild to moderate, severe back pain is when your pain is constant, intense or gets worse when you’re resting or at night.
2. Your pain is persistent. If your back pain lasts longer than three months, it’s considered chronic and may require a tailored treatment plan.
3. Your pain isn’t isolated to your back. If your pain is traveling down your leg, you have numbness or weakness in your hips or legs, or you’re experiencing tingling in your legs and feet, it may be a sign that there’s pressure on your spine.
4. Everyday activities have become difficult. If your back pain is already affecting routine activities, don’t let it get so debilitating that it keeps you from doing things you enjoy.
Next Steps:
- Find a Houston Methodist spine specialist that can treat your back pain at a location convenient for you
The End To Back Pain And Sciatica
Chronic pain wears the brain and body down. It clouds your thinking.
You may find yourself wondering, Why? Why me? But we need to remember pain is a warning sign, not a life sentence.
Its how your body communicates with you that theres something that needs repairing. And while painkillers help you live more comfortably in the present, it is important that you address this STOP sign, and repair the root of the pain.
We have created the most advanced, FDA-cleared system to restore your lower back health and provide lasting pain relief. Our clinically backed Corrective Therapy Device® delivers proven electrical stimulation to correct the source of the pain, not just the symptoms.
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Acupuncture For Chronic Back Pain
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic back pain. A review of studies found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment in reducing chronic back pain. Acupuncture was also found to be more effective than other common treatments for chronic back pain, such as massage and physical therapy.
If you are considering acupuncture for chronic back pain, it is important to find a qualified practitioner who has experience treating this condition. It is also important to make sure that the needles used are sterile and disposable.
Understanding The Lower Back
The lower back is also called the lumbosacral area of the back. It is the part of the back between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs.
Most of the lower back is made up from muscles that attach to, and surround, the spine. The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are roughly circular and between each vertebra is a disc. The discs between the vertebrae are a combination of a strong fibrous outer layer and a softer, gel-like centre. The discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to be flexible.
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About Chronic Back Pain
Most lower back pain is short-term or acute, lasting for several days to several weeks. But, it often resolves on its own with no residual function loss. Most acute back pain is mechanical, which means theres a disturbance in how the backs components muscle, spine, nerves and intervertebral discs fit together and move.
Chronic back pain, on the other hand, persists for over 12 weeks even if doctors treat an underlying cause or injury. Around 20 percent of individuals with lower back pain end up developing chronic low back pain with symptoms that persist for at least one year.
If youve been suffering from chronic back pain, its important you visit us at the OIP to receive a diagnosis for your condition and start treatment to experience pain relief.
Take A Relaxing Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, works its way through the skin and into sore muscles. Soaking for about 20 minutes can help to ease sore back muscles, especially after exercise.
When taking an Epsom salt bath, youll want to make sure the water is warm. Hot water can cause muscles to swell and cold water can cause muscles to cramp. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a temperature between 92 and 100°F . Temperatures higher than 104°F arent recommended, especially if you have heart problems.
You can also enhance the soothing results by bringing a tennis ball or other rubber ball thats similar in size, with you in the tub. Put it on the small of your back or midback and move side to side. The effect is like a massage to your back, and it further loosens up tight muscles.
An added benefit of Epsom salt is that its great for your skin. Epsom salts can exfoliate dead skin cells, soften the skin, and reduce areas of itchiness.
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Telehealth Consult With A Pain Expert
Pain recovery begins with a thorough understanding of you. You will complete a full-person health assessment to help us understand your medical history and pain presentation. A Lin pain recovery provider will review your assessment, complete a comprehensive health overview & offer recommendations for your next steps.
The Neuromd Corrective Therapy Device
Our comfortable at-home treatments only take 25 minutes per day.
- Doctor designed & recommended
Heal damaged tissues by increasing blood flow to the area.
Improve musculoskeletal health and function.
- Unlike other treatments, NeuroMD® provides relief by improving the body’s musculoskeletal function and health.
- NeuroMD heals damaged tissues, reduces inflammation, and strengthens spinal stabilizing muscles. The key essentials for achieving lasting pain relief.
- With reduced pain, an active lifestyle becomes achievable and acts as a prevention measure for future painful flare-ups.
FDA-CLEARED | DOCTOR RECOMMENDED | 5-CLINICAL STUDIES
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Everyday Tips For Chronic Back Pain
Your back pain could get better, and soon. There are many treatments that could help, from physical therapy to small but strategic changes in your daily routine. Even your breathing might make a difference!
First, ask your doctor what might be the cause of your back pain and how to treat it. They might recommend physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Next, add in these nine everyday habits:
1. Use your breath. When the pain kicks in, itâs easy to tense up. Instead, try to breathe deeply. You may want to visualize the breath going to the area that hurts. This will help you relax. You can also try other stress management techniques, including meditation.
2. Rethink your good days. Itâs great to feel better. But you may feel tempted to do a lot of stuff to make up for the times you werenât able to. So ask yourself, “Are my goals realistic?” Pace yourself. Itâs one of the keys to getting things done without a pain backlash.
3. Challenge yourself physically. Are you taking it too easy? If you think that you canât be active because of your back pain, thatâs understandable but misguided. Activity helps — as long as itâs not too hard, too long, or too much. Exercises that strengthen your back and abdominal muscles can help prevent injury. Ask your doctor or physical therapist whatâs best for you.
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Ways To Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a common problem that can be extremely debilitating. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a number of effective treatments available. Here are 5 ways to relieve chronic back pain:
1. Chiropractic: Chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine, which can reduce pressure on nerves and improve function.
2. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility, which can reduce pain and improve function.
3. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to relax the muscles and ease tension, which can provide relief from pain.
4. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. This can help to release blocked energy and alleviate pain.
5. Pilates: Exercise is an important part of managing chronic back pain as it helps to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
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Enter Alternative Therapies For Chronic Back Pain
Despite the clear risks, doctors have continued to prescribe painkillers, and perform surgeries and injections, sometimes to patients who wont take no for answer or who cant afford to try alternatives .
Slowly, though, the tide is shifting.
Medical societies and public health agencies are now advising doctors to try less invasive options and even alternative therapies such as acupuncture before considering opioids or surgery.
Most recently, in , the American College of Physicians advised doctors and patients try non-drug therapies such as exercise, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and even chiropractics, and avoid prescription drugs or surgical options wherever possible. In , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also came out with new guidelines urging health care providers to turn to non-drug options and non-opioid painkillers before considering opioids.
At the same time, research has mounted suggesting active therapies can really help people work through back pain, and alternative approaches can be effective, too with the caveat that theyre often no panacea and the effects tend to be short-lived and moderate.
But most of the alternatives also carry little or no harm which makes them all the more appealing amid the historic drug crisis.
Ways To Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery
Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It cancome and go, often bringing temporary relief, followed by frustration.Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you dont knowthe cause.
Back pain rehabilitationspecialistAndrew Nava, M.D., offers insights into common chronic back pain causes and nonsurgicaltreatment optionsand advises not to give up hope.
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Causes Of Back Pain When Breathing
Here are some of the most common MSK-related reasons you may experience back pains while you breathe:
Back strains and sprains. These can occur if you lift something heavy or twist or bend. It can result from a sudden injury or gradual overuse. Other symptoms include pain that radiates into your buttocks, stiffness, and muscle spasms. They may also cause pain in both your chest and back when breathing.
Disc problems. Over time, the spinal discs that act as shock absorbers in your spine break down. This can lead to small cracks and tears in the discs, as well as bulging. All of these can contribute to back pain with breathing and moving.
Osteoarthritis. You may think of osteoarthritis as only affecting the knee or hip, but it commonly affects the spine, too. This breakdown of the cartilage that cushions joints affects the facet joints, which connect your spinal vertebrae to each other. This can cause back pain that may worsen with breathing.
Soft tissue injuries. If you’ve experienced some form of back trauma – for example, a car accident – the surrounding tissue can swell, which can make it painful to breathe, notes Dr. Goostree.
Certain sleeping positions. If you sleep on your stomach, it can be very hard on your thoracic spine. If you wake up stiff and achy, you may notice that your back pain worsens with breathing.
Scoliosis. This sideways curvature of the spine can put more pressure on the ribcage and lungs, which can make breathing painful.
Fractures And Lower Back Pain
are often very difficult pain problems and indicate the possible presence of . In patients with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures can occur with no early warning and no significant trauma the patient does not have to fall to fracture a vertebrae.
Patients with spinal compression fractures experience spasms and, often, very high pain levels.
In patients with low back pain where the cause is difficult to determine, especially for elderly patients with osteoporosis, a fracture in the sacrum may be the cause of the pain. A standard X-ray or bone scan may not show a sacral fracture. Imaging techniques such as CT scan or MRI can often reveal these fractures.
It is very important that patients with acute lumbar compression fractures be tested for osteoporosis. A bone density study is needed, unless the patient has no other osteoporosis risk factors and has had a very high impact fracture. Studies have shown that many patients with fractures in the U.S. are discharged from hospitals with no plans for management of their bone density problems, which then are left to worsen.
Although pain can be very intense, it is best for patients with lumbar fracture to resume activity as soon as possible. This is especially true for elderly patients, who can too easily become weakened, and develop other complications, if mobility is reduced for too long. may be needed for pain control, for as brief a period as possible.
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