Back pain is one of the most common health problems that plague most adults in this country. In fact, 540 million people in the world are experiencing lower back pain, and their treatments are inconsistent with the best practices the industry has set.
This discomfort is due to various reasons. Some are minor and can be dealt with quickly, such as lack of exercise, poor posture, and improper body mechanics. But unfortunately, there are also some severe reasons for chronic back pain, such as spinal stenosis and scoliosis, to name a few.
While some doctors may suggest surgery to alleviate your back pain, it might not be necessary. Some of the most reputable spine doctors in CT will exhaust all the non-surgical and conservative treatments first before they advise any surgical treatment to the patient. So before considering surgery, understand that other non-surgical treatments can relieve or improve your chronic back pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
If you’re experiencing mild to severe back pain, you have to accept that there are some things you can’t do now. Learn to accept your limitations, and let your body heal before you jump back to tedious daily tasks.
Start by noticing the activities that trigger your back pain. For example, does carrying heavy items make you wince? Does sitting in front of your computer for an extended period worsen your pain? You need to be aware of the things that worsen your pain to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
You also need to maintain healthy body weight and eliminate every bad habit you’re accustomed to, such as excessive smoking and drinking alcohol. And although you may think that exercise is counterproductive, staying active will help your body release endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers.
Physical Therapy
Some reputable spine doctors in CT will exhaust all possible conservative treatments before suggesting invasive techniques to deal with your chronic back pain. One of which is physical therapy. You should seek the guidance of a physical therapist so they can customize your treatment according to your specific conditions and symptoms.
Expect your physical therapist to train your posture and work on your pain tolerance limits. There are also other exercises that they’ll incorporate into your regimens, such as core strengthening and flexibility exercises. Your physical therapist may also suggest spinal manipulation, wherein a chiropractor will work on your spine and adjust, stimulate, and massage it. Don’t consider this procedure if you have other spine problems such as scoliosis, osteoporosis, or arthritis.
Pharmacologic Treatments
Prescription drugs are some of the most common treatments for chronic back pain. They work well when combined with other conservative and non-surgical treatments. Your physician may suggest you take acetaminophen such as Tylenol to relieve your pain. Remember that this drug may deal with your pain, but it won’t be as effective for inflammation.
Since you typically need a prescription for acetaminophen, you can also try other non-prescription medications such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. However, be aware that it may cause you to experience some side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and even heartburn. Depending on your current situation, your physician may also prescribe you other medications such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Many underestimate mindfulness and meditation because they seem like hocus pocus. However, spine doctors in CT acknowledge the psychological effects of these exercises on back pain. If you’re dealing with depression, irritability, and frustration because of your back pain, mindfulness exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and meditation can help. Stress management is also a great way to alleviate your pain since a high-stress level is a massive contributor to the pain you’re currently experiencing.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
You can also relieve your back pain by avoiding certain foods such as processed foods, trans fats, and refined sugars. These highly inflammatory foods can cause you to gain more weight, putting your spine under extra pressure. Instead, consider an anti-inflammatory diet such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish, to name a few. And instead of red meat, your primary source of protein should be foods like beans, lean white meats, and other low-fat dairy products.
Alternative Treatments
There are also alternative treatments known to alleviate chronic back pain. Before you consider these treatments, however, you should talk to your spine doctor in CT so you can get their opinion first.
Some of the most common alternative treatments for chronic back pain include:
- Acupuncture
- Laser therapy
- Deep Tissue & Swedish Massages
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Remember to get these alternative treatments from licensed practitioners only.
Let the Best Spine Doctors in CT Help You
The treatments discussed above can help you cope with your chronic back pain. However, if you want treatments that work, we can help you out. You can count on Spine Specialist Litchfield County Ortho to provide surgical and non-surgical treatments for your chronic back pains and spine disorders. Contact them today to book a personalized consultation!