What To Take For Severe Back Pain

Preventing Pain And Injury

Posture. Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are the most important things you can do for your neck and back . The lower back bears most of your weight, so proper alignment of this section can prevent injury to your vertebrae, discs, and other portions of the spine. If you have back or neck pain, you may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits and learn proper ways to lift and bend. Your workspace may need to be rearranged to keep your spine from slouching. Because extra pounds can make back pain worse, you should maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and body frame.

Exercise. Regular exercise is important to prevent back pain and injury. A program of strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises will improve your overall fitness level. Research has shown that people who are physically fit are more resistant to back injuries and pain, and recover quicker when they do have injuries, than those who are less physically fit .

How Can I Manage My Symptoms

• Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice decreases pain and helps prevent tissue damage.
• Apply heat for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours, or as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.
• Use massage to loosen tense muscles. Massage may relieve back pain caused by tight muscles. Regular massages may help prevent this kind of back pain.
• Ask about acupuncture for pain relief. Back pain is sometimes relieved with acupuncture. Talk to your healthcare provider before you get this treatment to make sure it is safe for you.

Risks And Side Effects

The most common side effects of epidural steroid injections are headaches and short-term increases in pain before pain relief sets in . Thereâs also a chance of infection at the injection site.

Getting steroid injections on a regular basis can lead to its own set of problems. Frequent injections can cause cartilage damage, death of nearby bone, nerve damage, thinning of nearby bone , and tendon weakening or rupture .

Because repeatedly injecting the same joint carries high risks of devastating side effects, doctors typically limit the number of injections to any given joint to four per year.

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Other Causes Of Back Pain

There are many other potential causes of back pain, but most are rare. Be sure to see a doctor if you experience regular back pain that does not go away.

After ruling out the more common causes of back pain, your doctor will perform tests to determine if you have a rarer cause. These can :

• one of the vertebrae moving out of place and onto a nearby vertebra, called degenerative spondylolisthesis
• loss of nerve function at the lower spinal cord, called cauda equina syndrome
• fungal or bacterial infection of the spine, such as Staphylococcus, E. coli, or tuberculosis

Back pain can have many symptoms, including:

• a dull, aching sensation in the lower back
• a stabbing or shooting pain that can radiate down the leg to the foot
• an inability to stand up straight without pain
• a decreased range of motion and reduced ability to flex the back

The symptoms of back pain, if due to strain or misuse, are usually short lived but can last for days or weeks.

Back pain is chronic when symptoms have been present for 3 months.

Understand Your Back & Muscle Pain

Chances are your active lifestyle will occasionally be interrupted by back and muscle pain. In fact, the unexpected burden of back pain is perhaps more common than you might think. While our backs are generally strong and supportive, theyre also one of the body parts most vulnerable to pain. The good news is that more often than not, relief for minor back pain can be found within the comfort of home using simple self-care.

YOU CAN RELAX KNOWING RELIEF FOR MINOR BACK PAIN CAN MOST OFTEN BE FOUND IN THE COMFORT OF HOME.

THE BASICS OF BACK AND MUSCLE PAIN

Whats going on back there?

Your search for relief from back and muscle-related pain is a common one. Truth is that as much as 80% of us will experience back pain during our lifetime. Its one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and work absences, and is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

Thankfully, if the pain is minor there are steps you can take on your own to remedy the discomfort and even help prevent future episodes from interrupting your life. With simple home treatment and proper body mechanics, your acute back pain should resolve within a few days to a few weeks. If your pain is severe, gets worse, lasts longer than 10 days, or you have any questions about your condition, please consult your doctor right away.

As many as 80% of us will experience back pain, but most of the time you can put it behind you.

WHATS BEHIND IT?

Common symptoms of back and muscle pain

• Injury / trauma

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Medicines For Back Pain

Acute back pain often goes away on its own over several weeks. In some people, back pain persists. It may not go away completely or it may get more painful at times.

Medicines can also help with your back pain.

OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS

Over-the-counter means you can buy them without a prescription.

Most health care providers recommend acetaminophen first because it has fewer side effects than other drugs. Do not take more than 3 grams on any one day, or over 24 hours. Overdosing on acetaminophen can cause severe damage to your liver. If you already have liver disease, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is OK for you to take.

If your pain continues, your provider may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . You can buy some NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, without a prescription. NSAIDs help reduce the swelling around the swollen disk or arthritis in the back.

NSAIDs and acetaminophen in high doses, or if taken for a long time, can cause serious side effects. Side effects include stomach pain, ulcers or bleeding, and kidney or liver damage. If side effects occur, stop taking the drug right away and tell your provider.

If you are taking pain relievers for more than a week, tell your provider. You may need to be watched for side effects.

NARCOTIC PAIN RELIEVERS

Examples of narcotics include:

• Fentanyl — available as a patch

Possible side effects of these drugs include:

For Osteoarthritis Relief: Tylenol Regular Strength

Dosage: 325 mg acetaminophen

Why experts recommend it:

Tylenol is a good alternative for those who have any underlying conditions in which a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug would not be appropriate. It is an effective pain reliever with fewer side effects than NSAIDs.

There are also stronger formulations with higher doses of acetaminophen, such as extra-strength Tylenol. They are specifically designed for arthritis pain relief. Higher doses have greater risks of side effects and serious problems.

How it works:

Acetaminophen is an analgesic, also known as a general pain reliever, but it isnt anti-inflammatory. Evidence shows acetaminophen works by changing the way our brains perceive pain.

How to use Tylenol Regular Strength:

• Use as directed on the label or as instructed by your doctor

• Do not take more than 10 tablets in 24 hours, unless told by a doctor

• Not recommended for use for over ten days unless directed by a doctor

Precautions when taking Tylenol:

Acetaminophen can cause serious liver problems with high, frequent, or long-term dosing. Do not take acetaminophen if you:

• Have a history of liver disease

• Drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day

• Are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the other ingredients

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using acetaminophen

• Are taking any other medication containing acetaminophen. This may cause permanent liver damage

Common side effects of acetaminophen:

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

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What To Expect During Your Appointment

Epidural steroid injections can either be done at an outpatient clinic or at the hospital. The procedure itself can take between 15 – 45 minutes afterward, youâll be monitored for up to 40 minutes before being discharged.

During the procedure, youâll lie on your stomach on an X-ray table. The area of your back where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the treatment area. Youâll be awake and aware during the procedure.

Under the guidance of an X-ray fluoroscope, your doctor will insert a hollow needle into the epidural space, which is the space inside your spinal canal, right outside the membrane that protects your spinal cord. Youâll likely feel a pinch and some pressure when the needle goes in. In most cases the doctor will first inject you with X-ray dye, also known as contrast, to ensure proper placement of the needle. Then theyâll inject a mixture of the corticosteroid medication and a numbing agent as close to the nerve as possible.

Most patients can resume normal activity the day after their procedure. Many people experience immediate pain relief after their injection, which can be attributed to the numbing medication. This relief is temporary and usually wears off a few hours after the procedure. The steroids themselves can take between two to three days to fully kick in, so itâs normal for your pain to return before improving .

Strengthen Your Back With Exercise

Exercise regularly to maintain stability, range of motion and a heathy weight. Well talk about targeted back exercise in just a bit, but its important to know that exercise of any type can help you build muscle strength.

Many people with chronic back pain see improvement with physical activity. If you sit most of the time at your job, be sure to get up every hour and move around. If your old go-to exercises arent as enjoyable because they make your back hurt, explore alternatives.

Exercises that are soft on your joints, like water aerobics and yoga, are popular exercises for people with back pain. Look for low-impact exercises offered at your local community center or gym. Your local public school may also offer open swim times or other community classes.

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For Nighttime Relief: Motrin Pm

Dosage: 200 mg ibuprofen and 38 mg diphenhydramine citrate

Why experts recommend it:

The two active ingredients in Motrin PM help when you have trouble sleeping due to pain.

How it works:

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to help relieve allergy symptoms. There is evidence that Some types of antihistamines can cause drowsiness, whichhelps a person sleep better or fall asleep faster.

How to use Motrin PM:

• Use as directed on the label or as instructed by your doctor

• If NSAIDs cause you to have gastrointestinal problems try taking them with food

Precautions when taking Motrin PM:

• Do not take Motrin PM for longer than 10 days or at higher doses unless instructed by your doctor

• People who take NSAIDs may have a higher heart attack or stroke risks than people who do not take these medications

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery due to drowsiness from diphenhydramine

• There are increased risks of falls for those over 65 years of age do not take unless directed by your doctor

Common side effects of Motrin PM:

More serious side effects of Motrin PM:

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When Should I Call My Doctor

• You have severe pain.
• You have new numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially in your lower back, legs, arms, or genital area.
• You lose control of your bladder or bowel movements.
• You have a fever or sudden weight loss.
• You have new or worse pain.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Signs Your Back Pain Might Be An Emergency

In our 20s and 30s, normal back pain often can be attributed to factors of daily life, such as sitting too long, picking up children, or overdoing it while exercising.

In our 40s and older, work injuries and the beginnings of arthritis and degenerative conditions are more common.

Back pain is so common, in fact, that many patients shrug off symptoms that might indicate a medical emergency.

Approximately 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lives, so its important to be able to identify the severity of your symptoms and track how long the pain lasts.

If back pain can be associated with a specific activity, such as lifting or twisting wrong, and the pain goes away within 72 hours after resting and applying ice, its usually nothing to worry about. However, if pain creeps on gradually, appears suddenly, or doesn’t go away, you might have a more serious condition.

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Reduce Stress In Your Life Stress Intensifies Chronic Pain

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Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the bodys sensitivity to pain. By learning to take control of stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain.

Several techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Listening to soothing, calming music can lift your mood and make living with chronic pain more bearable. There are even specially designed relaxation tapes or CDs for this. Mental imagery relaxation is a form of mental escape that can help you feel peaceful. It involves creating calming, peaceful images in your mind. Progressive muscle relaxation is another technique that promotes relaxation.

Acupuncture For Back Aches

Acupuncture is a traditional eastern medicine practice shown to reduce back pain for most people who try it. During this therapy, a trained acupuncturist inserts extremely thin needles at strategic points and varying depths throughout your body. This stimulates your central nervous system, jump-starting your bodys natural healing ability. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation that causes chronic back pain.

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How Is Back Pain Diagnosed

Your health professional will first assess your back pain. They may ask questions including:

• When did your back pain begin?
• What activities were you doing differently to normal before your back pain started?
• How would you describe the pain? Is there tingling or numbness?
• What makes the pain better or worse?

If your pain doesnt settle after a few weeks or starts getting worse, ask your doctor or other health care professional about other management options. You may be referred for tests if there is reason to suspect a more serious cause for your back pain.

In most situations, imaging such as X-ray, CT or MRI scans are not helpful unless there is an obvious injury or strain.

Unnecessary tests can be expensive, and many investigations will show changes in your spine that reflect the normal passage of time, rather than damage to your spine.

Boost Chronic Pain Relief With The Natural Endorphins From Exercise

Endorphins are brain chemicals that help improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain-reducing effect it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain. Plus, exercise can help keep your weight down, reduce heart disease risk, and control blood sugar levels especially important if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor for an exercise routine that is right for you. If you have certain health conditions, like diabetic neuropathy, you will need to be careful about the types of activities you engage in your doctor can advise you on the best physical activities for you.

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Unload The Extra Cargo

TIP 4 OF 4

If you regularly carry a heavy backpack, purse, briefcase or extra body weight, this additional loadwhich our bodies were not designed forcan certainly place a burden on your back. Even sitting on an overstuffed wallet can cause spine and muscle misalignment and unnecessary pain. If this sounds like you, consider dropping the unnecessary baggage right away.

For Fast Relief: Advil Liqui

Dosage: 200 mg ibuprofen

Why experts recommend it:

The solubilized ibuprofen in the capsules is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. This leads to faster relief. The capsule form also makes it easier to swallow.

How it works: Advil Liqui-Gels contain ibuprofen, another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofens effects do not last as long as naproxen sodium . However, it may be less harsh on the gastrointestinal system. Evidence from a 2016 study showed that liquid gels may provide faster pain relief than tablets.

How to use Advil Liqui-Gels:

• Use as directed on the label or as instructed by your doctor

• Do not exceed 6 capsules in 24 hours unless instructed by a doctor

• If NSAIDs cause you to have gastrointestinal problems, try taking them with food

Precautions when taking NSAIDs :

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the chance of serious gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, and perforations.

People who take NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, may have a higher heart attack or stroke risks than people who do not take these medications. People with kidney problems, or those who have had coronary artery bypass graft surgery, should not take NSAIDs.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug side effects:

Ask a medical professional if you have any questions about taking NSAIDs.

Common, mild side effects of NSAIDs:

Severe side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

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