What Is The Best Treatment For Lower Back Pain? – A Look at Non-Invasive Treatments
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What is the best treatment for lower back pain? Lower back pain often results from weak core muscles. Older adults have declining muscle mass due to aging, which results in osteoarthritis and increases the risk of injuries. It is essential to consult your doctor before taking any medications or performing physical therapy exercises.
If the pain persists for more than three months, you may undergo advanced treatment like minimally invasive spinal surgery. In today’s article, we will talk about severe back pain solutions Plano TX. The focus of this post is non-invasive back pain solutions Plano TX, such as medications and physical therapy. Read on!
What is the best treatment for lower back pain?
Some severe back pain solutions Plano TX are medications, physical therapy exercises, posture correction workouts, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and laser therapy. However, when it comes to the first line of treatment or back pain solutions Plano TX, most health professionals recommend undergoing physical therapy and taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Let us talk about these treatment options.
Lower back pain medications
Medications are often prescribed to treat lower back pain. Depending on the range of causes and intensity of pain in the lumbar spine, you can use NSAIDs, opioids, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants to treat lumbar spine inflammation and pain.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are a class of medications that decrease inflammation without steroids. NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can relieve muscle aches, sprains, and joint pain in your lumbar spine.
These medications block an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase. The enzyme is used by your body to produce prostaglandins that increase inflammation. Aspirin or ibuprofen reduce prostaglandins production and relieve discomfort, inflammation, fever, and pain in your lumbar spine.
Analgesics
Analgesics are OTC drugs used to reduce swelling and relieve pain. The most common analgesic for lower back pain is acetaminophen. The drug has excellent analgesic and antipyretic properties.
However, studies show that this medication lacks anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway in the central nervous system and relieves pain. It does not have any effects on the peripheral tissues.
Some studies show that analgesics can cause liver damage if taken for a prolonged period. That’s why we recommend you to consult your doctor if the pain persists for more than three months.
Narcotics or Opioids
Narcotics or opioids are prescription medications. These drugs are not OTC, meaning you can’t use them without a proper prescription from your doctor. Tramadol is a commonly prescribed opioid for patients with lower back pain.
Narcotics work on pain receptors in your central nervous system and block pain signals to your spine. These medications also work in the brain and produce a calming effect. That way, you don’t feel pain in your lower back.
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle strain is the most common cause of lumbar spine pain. It means muscle relaxants can relieve back pain by reducing or eliminating the strain. Methocarbamol, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, and Metaxalone are commonly prescribed muscle relaxants. Remember, these medications can lead to nausea, stomach issues, and drowsiness. If you experience these side effects, consult your health provider immediately.
Physical Therapy
What is the best treatment for lower back pain? Is it physical therapy? Physical therapy aims to strengthen your muscles, increase range of motion, flexibility, and relieve pain in your spine. It is one of the best severe back pain solutions Plano TX.
Stretching
Physical therapy focuses on stretching exercises that maintain proper range of motion and soothe your lumbar spine muscles. Stretching is beneficial for patients with back spasms, never irritation, compression, and poor posture.
You should focus on stretching exercises like
- The knee-to-chest stretch
- Trunk rotation
- Cat-cow stretch
- Pelvic tilt
- Seat forward bend
- Flexion rotation
- Supported bridge
- Belly flops
Dynamic Stabilization
Dynamic stabilization is a group of various exercises that focus on using balancing machines or exercise balls to stabilize your lower back muscles. It strengthens your spine’s secondary muscles and increases range of motion.
Core Strengthening
Core strengthening exercises are effective back pain solutions Plano TX. These exercises strengthen your abdominal muscles and erector spinae, muscles in your lower spine. Some practical core strengthening exercises include crunches, sit-ups, and leg raises.
Both medications and physical therapy exercises are severe back pain solutions Plano TX. You can relieve back pain with these methods. However, if the pain persists for a long time or three months, you can contact MINT for advanced treatments. Our Neurosurgeons will perform several tests and exams and prescribed the best treatment option to relieve lower back pain.
What is the best treatment for lower back pain if it persists for more than three months – you may undergo minimally invasive spinal surgery to permanently cure lumbar spine pain!
