As you reach a certain age, you may experience recurring aches around your body. One of the most common conditions among adults is back pain. It may range from slight discomfort to throbbing pain affecting daily function, so getting the proper treatment is essential.
Treatments for chronic back pain depend on its root cause, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. Some possible causes of back pain are herniated discs, muscle strain, osteoporosis, weakened core muscles, and improper posture.
In most cases, chronic back pain can be treated and managed without surgery. Here are six treatment options you may consider:
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1. Light Therapy
Light therapy or phototherapy is a treatment procedure that utilizes specific wavelengths of light, such as red, green, or blue, to shine on the body. Studies show its promising effect on reducing pain and inflammation, suitable for a wide range of body discomfort.
Initial studies suggest light therapy may heal chronic back pain by stimulating nerve pathways and improving blood flow. In this case, it may help treat back pain caused by muscle strains and poor posture.
Another advantage of light therapy is accessibility and convenience. There are products you can use at home, so you’ll have easy access every time you need treatment. You may click here to learn more about light therapy for chronic back pain.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another excellent treatment option to manage chronic back pain without surgery or medications. It may involve massage, guided exercises, stretches, or heat therapy to ease a wide range of body aches.
A physical therapist will provide a treatment program specifically targeting the causes of pain. During each session, you’ll learn pain relief exercises or undergo massage therapy to release pressure in your muscles and joints.
On average, patients experience significant improvements after six to eight weeks, depending on the condition’s severity. Physical therapy can also increase mobility, strengthen your core, and correct posture.
3. Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation involves applying pressure on or massaging the spinal area to stimulate it. It also includes jolting joints to release tension, improve nerve function, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. This treatment can help manage several bodily discomforts like neck and back pain.
Despite being an effective treatment for chronic back pain, spinal manipulation isn’t advisable for all conditions. Those with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and spinal injuries must consider other options since the applied pressure may worsen pain and inflammation.
After one session, you may expect minor discomfort around the area, which usually goes away after one to two days. One crucial tip when choosing spinal manipulation for chronic back pain is to find a trained and licensed professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment utilizing thin needles and inserting them into specific pressure points. This procedure may help relieve chronic pain and restore body function, making it a popular option for managing upper and lower back pain. In some cases, patients say it’s more effective than painkillers.
According to experienced acupuncture experts, patients report significant acute and chronic pain relief after two to three sessions. This procedure might work for you if you’re looking for an efficient treatment without side effects.
Another advantage of acupuncture is long-lasting pain relief. After two or three sessions, pain and discomfort may stop reoccurring for six months to a year.
5. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy utilizes low-voltage electric pulses to relieve pain. An electrode device is placed on the skin near the trigger points to block the pain signals around the area.
TENS therapy is a well-known treatment option for chronic back pain and other conditions like osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and pelvic pain. However, it’s not applicable to those with heart disease, bleeding tissues, epilepsy, or cancer and those with an implanted electronic device for other health conditions. Consulting a medical professional is crucial to ensure it’s a safe option.
Furthermore, TENS therapy stimulates endorphin production, serving as a natural painkiller. It can also help rehabilitate damaged nerves and quicken healing.
6. Lifestyle Changes
Aside from medical treatments, you can also manage chronic back pain through positive lifestyle changes. Your way of life significantly affects your overall health, so taking care of your body and mind is imperative.
One practice you can cultivate is regular exercise. Keeping your body moving can release endorphins, which decrease pain signals. Physical activities can also help improve mobility to regain function and productivity.
Yoga and meditation can help relieve chronic back pain. Stretching paired with mindfulness exercises can release pressure and relieve stress. Incorporating these into your lifestyle can be life-changing.
Another factor to consider is your diet. You may start eating more healthy and nutritious food to reduce inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help relieve pressure and avoid muscle strain, especially in the spinal area.
Conclusion
Living with chronic back pain can be challenging and stressful. However, you can manage it better and regain control of your body by finding the proper treatment.