Are you experiencing debilitating back pain? It might be due to muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured disc, arthritis, osteoporosis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
Regardless of the cause of your back pain, severe or chronic back pain can significantly impact your daily life, mobility, and overall well-being. The good news is that several treatments can address your back pain without surgery.
Let’s discuss common non-surgical treatment options for back pain relief.
Physical Therapy
When it comes to treating musculoskeletal system pains, physical therapy is one of the most recommended non-surgical treatment options. It can be used as a standalone treatment for various types of back pain or in combination with other non-surgical treatments.
A physical therapy plan involves various pain management modalities, such as transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, heat and cold therapy, and low-light laser therapy, along with core strengthening exercises, stretching, aerobics, and flexibility exercises. Physical therapy plans are focused on improving your spine’s mobility and flexibility while reducing stiffness and pain.’
Pain Reliever Medications
Pain-relieving medications are commonly sought and prescribed as treatment for back pain. The medications can significantly reduce back pain and improve the overall quality of life of individuals.
Most commonly used pain-relieving medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), acetaminophen (Tylenol), muscle relaxants (such as cyclobenzaprine), opioid medications (such as oxycodone or hydrocodone), and antidepressants (such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).
If you find yourself relying on opioid medications regularly for pain relief, seek treatments from an orthopedic doctor right away.
Injection Based Treatments
Chronic back pain that has a known cause is often treated with injection-based treatments, such as nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, nerve ablation, and other types of injection-based procedures.
Medications that are injected through these injection-based treatments can significantly stop or lessen pain for a certain period of time.
Lifestyle Modifications
Certain lifestyle choices can not only contribute to the development of back pain but also increase their severity. For example, prolonged periods of standing or lack of physical activity can weaken the muscles that support the spine and cause back pain. Similarly, getting excessive weight also puts extra pressure on the spine, leading to an increased risk of lower back pain.
Making positive lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and consuming a balanced diet, can significantly help provide back pain relief.
Alternative Treatments
Some alternative treatments can also help provide significant back pain relief. Examples include chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and mindfulness and meditation. Always consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of alternative treatments with your doctor.
Non-surgical Treatments for Back Pain in Dover, NJ
If you are looking for comprehensive treatment for your musculoskeletal system pain, including back pain, our team of experts at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey has you covered. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists perform comprehensive assessments to determine the underlying causes of chronic pain and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including non-surgical treatments and surgical treatments.
To know more about our services or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (973) 989-0888 or fill out our online appointment request form.
