Lower back pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain, often stemming from things like injury, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, obesity, or muscle strain. Regardless of the cause, the good news is that there are quite a few options available when it comes to treatment.
This article explores what you can do for lower back pain to find relief.
Treating Lower Back Pain at Home
To treat lower back pain from home, there are a few things you can try, including—
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers for mild to moderate pain.
- Alternating heat and ice. Do this by applying ice at first and then heat to elevate blood flow and encourage healing.
- Make lifestyle adjustments, such as correcting your posture, reducing physical activity, getting quality sleep, and more.
Each of these things can help reduce pain for some.
When To Seek Professional Treatment
Unfortunately, sometimes back pain needs a little more attention than what you can give it at home. If you have tried the above ideas without success, then perhaps you need to seek professional treatment.
With the guidance of an experienced pain management doctor, you can have access to a long list of potential treatments for lower back pain, including pain medication, physical therapy, and the following:
Injections
Injections are a simple, non-invasive treatment option for ridding yourself of back pain using steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, or anesthetics. They may be used as a nerve block, targeting a specific nerve or nerve group giving them time to heal.
An epidural steroid injection is administered around the spinal cord. This is one of the most commonly used treatments for lower back pain or sciatica.
Please understand that injections are a temporary solution.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device near the spine. It generates electrical impulses that confuse the pain messages sent by the nerve and reduce the chance of the sensation reaching the brain.
In other words, a spinal cord stimulation device modifies nerve activity and gives you relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses an electric current to heat specific areas of nerve tissue. As it does, it destroys it and eliminates the pain signal. On average the results from this treatment can last about 6 to 12 months — or longer.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the many different treatment options to help restore your functionality and improve your quality of life. Working with the right team will help you with a customized plan dedicated to your treatment needs.
Find Freedom From Back Pain at the American Pain Institute
Joshua Greenspan, MD, the pain management doctor at the American Pain Institute in Portsmouth, NH understands just how debilitating lower back pain can be. He will assess your level of pain and create a customized treatment plan to help you reclaim your life.
Contact us at 603-766-8500 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you not do with lower back pain?
If you have lower back pain, you should not be doing any heavy lifting or twisting. Reduce or halt your exercise and physical activity until the inflammation subsides.
Is it better to sit or lay down to reduce lower back pain?
Lying down can often take the pressure off of the lower back and provide relief.