Image sourced from Canva
Most people in Plano, TX, ask: what is the best treatment for lower back pain. People ask this question because they want to treat their severe lumbar spine pain that hinders their day-to-day activities.
There are various causes of lower back pain, such as nerve damage, arthritis, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica, and many others. No matter what the reason is, lower back pain is a frustrating experience for many people. In short, it is hard to deal with painful episodes.
If you are looking for severe back pain relief Plano TX, you are in the right place. In today’s article, we will answer “what is the best treatment for lower back pain?” That way, you will know the best back pain solution in Plano TX. Read on!
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
You can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate your back pain. Some of these drugs used are naproxen and ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain in the lower spine.
Most often, back pain is due to strain in the muscle or ligament and inflammation. That’s why people use NSAIDS to treat their back pain. Remember, using NSAIDS for a longer period can cause side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems. That’s why it is best to talk to your neurosurgeon before you take these medications.
Ice and Heat
Many people use ice packs to treat their inflammation-related back pain. You can place an ice pack for 20 minutes a few times a day. When you have done this for a couple of days, it is time to use a heating pad.
Ice packs help shut down capillaries and reduce the flow of blood to the affected area. As a result, the swelling or inflammation is reduced in the area. Similarly, the cold compress prevents your nerves to conduct pain signals. Thus, it produces good analgesic effects and provides more oxygen to the cells to treat severe back pain relief Plano TX.
Exercise and Stretches
Exercises such as walking, swimming, and stretching can help stabilize your back and prevent muscle imbalances. Experts at MINT believe that gentle exercises are a great back pain solution Plano TX.
Because lower back pain very common, it can hinder your day-to-day activities. Living with back pain is not easy, and before you undergo any proper treatment, it is wise to improve your core stability and hip flexibility.
Stretching helps in lengthening your spine muscles and reduces the symptoms of pain in the lumbar spine. Don’t forget to consult your neurosurgeon before you start doing any exercises. Your neurosurgeon can suggest better and effective workouts.
Prescription Medications
What is the best treatment for lower back pain besides exercises, stretching, and OCT drugs? If your lower back pain has not resolved itself within a few weeks, consult your neurosurgeon. He or she will analyze the situation and recommend effective treatments.
Your neurosurgeon will examine your spine by asking you to stand, sit, bend, and walk. That way, he or she will see how lower back pain is affecting your mobility. You may also undergo several imaging tests, such as X-ray and MRI. Based on your findings, your neurosurgeon may prescribe one of the following back pain solutions in Plano TX.
Muscle Relaxants
Your neurosurgeon may prescribe you baclofen or cyclobenzaprine to treat your back pain. These medications are useful in treating spinal spasms. However, these drugs have side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Cortisone Shots
Your doctor or neurosurgeon may also prescribe cortisone injection. It is an anti-inflammatory injection used to treat back pain, but it has short-term effects, which means it can’t alleviate pain permanently. The side effect of this injection is the thinning of bones in the spine.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you on how to manage your back pain with physical therapy exercises. These exercises include posture-correction stretches and alignment-based, low-impact exercises. Thus, it is an effective severe back pain relief Plano TX for some people.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is the last option for people with severe back pain. You neurosurgeon will recommend you this back pain solution in Plano TX when all of the above options fail to provide relief.
There are different types of minimally invasive spine surgery, such as PLIF, XLIF, ALIF, TLIF, OLIF, etc. Each technique is recommended based on the patient’s condition. MINT has an advanced facility for minimally invasive surgery. Board-certified neurosurgeons perform the operation. Consult a qualified and experienced neurosurgeon at MINT to know “what is the best treatment for lower back pain.”