Treatment for back pain generally starts with a conservative approach. The conservative approach may include:
- at home remedies and therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- reduced activity
- analgesics
- muscle relaxers
- physical therapy
- ice [li url=http://backandneck.about.com/od/painmanagement/f/traction.htm]traction
- heat
- massage therapy
- chiropractic
- injections
- stretching
- strengthening
- yoga
- pilates
When it's Time for Surgery
If the pain persists after conservative therapy is tried, surgery may be an option. Know, however, that only about 1/4 of all back pain patients require surgery. For most people, back pain resolves itself within a month.
The trend in back and neck surgery is toward minimally invasive, but patients still must use their discretion when deciding what to do. Many of the minimally invasive back surgical techniques are too new for long term prognosis studies to offer meaninful data.
Back Surgery Resources:
Prevention
Prevention of back pain is largely a lifestyle matter. Tips for preventing back pain are listed below:
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