Perhaps one of the most debilitating types of pain the human body can experience, back pain, also known as dorsalgia, is the fifth most common reason for a doctor’s visit in the U.S. Many people suffer from some kind of back pain, and this can severely impact their life and work habits. Back pain can be sudden or chronic, but any type of back pain can decrease quality of life significantly.
Thankfully, there are ways to achieve back pain relief. These include therapies like medication, massage and herbal remedies.
There are several different causes and types of back pain. Essentially, there are two types of back pain: upper back pain and lower back pain. Causes may include muscle strains, muscle spasms and muscle imbalances. However, back pain can also be caused by whiplash, spinal disc herniation and arthritis.
The best way to find out the cause and type of your back pain is to see a doctor or osteopath. They will diagnose you by ultrasound or MRI, or simply by examining your back.
Treatment for back pain can include medication such as anti-inflammatories, but it is most likely to comprise some form of physical therapy. Heat therapy is a popular treatment for back pain caused by muscle strains or spasms because the heat relaxes the muscle, allowing it to let go of the pain. Massage therapy is another popular alternative to medication.
For spinal difficulties, surgery will occasionally need to be performed. However, many patients experience relief by participating in physical therapy or light exercise. Swimming may also help a person with back pain.
Other alternative remedies may include acupuncture or pressure-point massage.
Back pain can be debilitating, but with the right amount and type of treatment, it can be relieved. Herbal remedies for pain may also help you lessen your use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
