Back pain can range from a dull ache to severe shooting pain. Causes for back pain include injuries, arthritis, stress on the spine, and “pinched” nerves. A back doctor and spine specialist at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics helps diagnose and treat back pain without surgery. Here are some nonsurgical solutions for back pain:
Rest, Ice, or Heat
Resting your back and icing or heating it can effectively ease back pain from muscle inflammation or strain. Relative rest can help relieve pressure on your back, or temporarly use a back brace to support your spine when standing or walking. While resting, use an ice pack or bag of ice water wrapped in a thin towel on the affected area. Avoid applying ice for longer than 15-20 minutes; then wait at least another hour before reapplying more ice to avoid a frostbite injury to the skin.
If ice doesn’t help after a couple of days, try applying heat. This may help relax your muscles, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow. Options include a heating pad, heat wrap, or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. A warm bath or shower might also work. Similar to icing, heating should be done in short sessions.
Over-the-counter Medicine
Over-the-counter medicines can be paired with icing and heat to relieve back pain. Acetaminophen stops the pain process and is gentler on the stomach than other options. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to reducing pain. However, NSAIDS may not be the right fit for someone with a sensitive stomach or heartburn. A visit with a back doctor at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics allows the doctor to evaluate which of these options may work well for your specific cause of back pain. In some cases, a muscle relaxant is recommended for lower back pain or spasms.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
In cases where over-the-counter options aren’t enough, a doctor may recommend prescription strength anti-inflammatory medication. These are also NSAIDs, but are more potent and longer lasting than over-the-counter doses. The doctor determines which option is right for you based on your medical history and spine condition. Anti-inflammatory medication doesn’t address the root of the problem, but provides pain relief so you can start physical therapy, exercise, and allow you to continue working until the acute phase of the pain subsides and the next step in the recovery process begins. In severe pain cases, the doctor may prescribe opioid medication, but only for a short time. Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics help identify the root cause of the problem and if there is nerve involvement that warrants a prescription.
Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are used for back pain from arthritis, inflamed nerves/sciatica, injured joints, and painful discs. Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics perform spine injections medication’s failed to provide relief and as part of a patient’s tailored treatment plan. Depending on the type and source of the pain, different injection options are available. These include:
- Caudal epidural steroid injection. Used to reduce swelling and inflammation or irritated lower spinal nerve.
- Epidural steroid injection in the cervical spine. Relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms from a pinched nerve.
- Facet joint injections. Reduce pain and swelling around the facet joints on the sides of the lumbar spine.
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection. Relieves lower back and radiating leg pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It can help injured joints, discs, and inflamed nerves and uses parts of your blood to speed up healing.
- Trigger point injections. Anesthetic or platelet-rich plasma can be injected into painful muscle trigger points to help with acute or chronic muscle pain.
When To Visit a Back Doctor
Cases of back pain often start and resolve themselves quickly. Bad posture, incorrect lifting, and accidents can trigger sudden back pain that is treatable without visiting the doctor. It may be time to schedule an appointment when the pain does not improve within a week, when the pain continues to return repeatedly, or when there is radiating leg pain or numbness. Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics can diagnose and advise the treatment for the source of your back pain. Please reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.