Back pain is exceedingly common, with about 80 percent of Americans having a back problem at some point in their lifetimes. After undergoing one or more diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans, blood tests, bone scans or even nerve studies, there are a few different types of treatment you may be asked to try in order to improve your quality of life.
Medications
For some minor types of back pain, medication may be the first line of treatment. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve or others may reduce your pain to bearable levels. Topical pain relievers in the form of creams, salves or patches may also be used. Higher pain intensity may benefit from treatment with muscle relaxers, but be warned that they may come with side effects like dizziness and sleepiness. If the pain is acute and caused by an injury, opioid medications may be beneficial for short-term use.
Physical Therapy
This is one of the most common types of back pain therapy Kendall FL has to offer. It involves learning exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen your core muscles. Ultimately, improving your posture can dramatically reduce many types of back pain for the long term. Physical therapy is an excellent value because you learn practical exercises you can do on your own every day even after your regular appointments come to an end.
Surgical Intervention
Some conditions that persist despite medication and physical therapy must be addressed with surgery. Back surgery is painful and invasive, so it’s a last resort in almost all cases. However, it can also permanently correct problems that no other type of intervention can address.
Even though back pain is common, it doesn’t have to be your new normal. Seeking medical assistance can keep your pain from getting worse, and may even reverse it in some cases.
