Back pain can be moderately uncomfortable and even completely debilitating depending on the nature and cause of your pain. In any case, you deserve to get relief. People that suffer from back pain should become aware of all the possible treatment options.
Rest
Before you begin to do things to treat your back pain, you should give rest a try. Sometimes all the body needs is rest to rejuvenate the body. Taking it easy can ease the tension and pressure that is possibly causing the pain in your back. The number one cause of back pain is strain. Strain happens when muscles are pushed beyond their limit or used inappropriately. This can happen when you lift things that are heavy or when you overexert your muscles during physical activity. Resting for a few days can give your muscles an opportunity to recover. If you rest for too long however this could have adverse effects on your muscles. Muscles that don’t get used enough will become a burden and will be more susceptible to pain and injury.
Medicine
Sometimes the inflammation of muscles in your back is what causes back pain. To reduce inflammation, you can take NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce the inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are readily available at any pharmacy or grocery store. The best part is that you don’t need a prescription. These drugs contain naproxen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Brands like Advil fall into this category. You should not become dependent on medicine alone to treat your back pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is great for the back because it is especially focused on the parts of the back that need it the most. A trained physical therapist or a doctor can pinpoint the areas of the upper back that could use massage, hot or cold packs or even hydrotherapy. Physical therapy could include therapeutic massage and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Exercise
Working out your trunk area is an excellent way to treat upper back pain. You core includes your back, abdomen, shoulders and neck. Core stabilization exercises are recommended to strengthen the back muscles and increase flexibility. By doing this, your body will be better able to prevent injuries and minimize pain. Some people recommend Tai Chi as an exercise method. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial arts style that has been modernized to help people with several physical ailments. Tai Chi is good for balance, stability and overall health.
Stress
Stress can be a huge factor when it comes to the body. When you are stressed emotionally, sometimes your body will represent that in a physical way. Stress is something that can make your back muscles tense and tight. To relieve stress, you should talk to people that can help you to solve whatever problems you have. Stress should be dealt with in a rational way as soon as possible.
Surgery
In the most severe cases of upper back pain, you may need to have a surgical procedure like a rhizotomy or a formanial surgery. Surgery should only be considered for pack pain that is chronic, lasting more than three months.
