When it comes to back pain, there are a variety of possible causes and treatments. But how effective is back pain treatment, really? Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods of treatment and see what the research says. Back Pain Treatment Near Me offers excellent info on this.
Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain Relief
One popular method of back pain treatment is spinal manipulation, which is also known as chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation involves using the hands to apply pressure to the spine in order to correct alignment and relieve pain. A review of scientific evidence published in The Lancet found that spinal manipulation can be an effective treatment for acute low-back pain (pain that lasts for less than four weeks). However, the authors of the review noted that there is insufficient evidence to say for sure whether or not spinal manipulation is effective for treating chronic low-back pain (pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks).
Exercise as a Treatment for Back Pain
Regular exercise is another common treatment option for back pain. Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the spine, which can provide support and stability. It also helps to improve flexibility and range of motion. A meta-analysis published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that exercise may be slightly effective in reducing disability and pain in people with chronic low-back pain, but the authors noted that more research is needed.
Medications for Back Pain Relief
There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat back pain, including over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as prescription medications like muscle relaxants and opioids. A systematic review published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that there is moderate evidence to support the use of medication for treating acute low-back pain, but little to no evidence supporting their use for treating chronic low-back pain. The authors of the review also noted that there are potential risks associated with taking medication, such as side effects and addiction.
Surgery for Back Pain Relief
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat back pain if it is caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). A systematic review published in JAMA Surgery found that surgery may be effective at relieving both leg and back pain in people with herniated discs or spinal stenosis. However, the authors noted that surgery may not be necessary for everyone with these conditions and that other treatments—such as physical therapy—should be tried first.
There are a variety of different methods that can be used to treat back pain, but it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re considering any type of treatment for your back pain, be sure to talk to your doctor first so you can figure out what might work best for you. And don’t forget—staying active and maintaining a healthy weight are two important things you can do to help prevent back pain in the first place!
