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Treatments For Back Pain: How do I Treat Back Pain

Updated on December 10, 2015
Man Rubbing his Aching Shoulder
Man Rubbing his Aching Shoulder | Source

Best Known Treatments for Back Pain

The causes of back pain range from temporary and minor to severe and chronic. This article discusses the best known treatments for helping, remedying or curing this unpleasant but common condition.

If you have ever suffered from back pain, or if you are currently suffering from this condition, you know what a difficult and painful malady this can be. The good news is that help is available. Whether its upper back pain, lower back pain, sciatica nerve problems or any other -- this type of pain can be excruciating at worst and detract from your quality of life at best.

There are a multitude of approaches to treating, remedying and curing back pain. This lens discusses the better known therapeutic approaches.

Various treatments are available - some are recognized by western medicine. Others are alternative approaches to health care.

The best one for you will depend upon your individual situation. Some of the back pain cures and remedies listed below are more effective for certain conditions and less so for other conditions.

Muscle Pain
Muscle Pain | Source

Physiotherapy for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Increase Muscular Strength, Balance and Stability.

Most medical professionals recognize and advocate physiotherapy for the treatment of back pain and neck pain. However, the approach to physiotherapy differs considerably among physiotherapists. A professional whose approach works well for one person may prove ineffective with another.

In most cases, physiotherapy consists of a number of exercises that are designed to increase muscular strength, balance and stability.

Typically, physiotherapy practitioners do not manipulate the back, as do chiropractors. However, from time to time, a physiotherapist may perform this treatment if he or she deems it appropriate.

Physiotherapists may also recommend the use of various traction devices.

Your physician - a specialist or family doctor - may refer you to a physiotherapist. In some locations, physiotherapists may accept self referrals.

A Recommended Product for Self Healing

Chiropractor Working on a Patient
Chiropractor Working on a Patient | Source

Chiropractic Treatment Providing Relief for Back Pain

Offering Relief to Many

Depending on where you live, chiropractic treatment may or may not be considered a viable treatment for back pain. In some areas of the world, it is almost routine for middle aged and senior persons to visit a chiropractor. In other countries, chiropractic is extremely controversial and is viewed as alternative medicine. The members of the chiropractic profession resist the “alternative” label, stating that they offer a legitimate medical treatment.

A chiropractic treatment utilizes manipulation of the back and musculoskeletal structures. (Musculoskeletal is a term meaning, “Relating to or involving the muscles and the skeleton”.) Many people mistakenly believe that the manipulation is performed to address tension or locking. In fact, manipulation is rooted in philosophies around self-healing and spiritualism.

Experiences differ among those who seek chiropractic treatment for relief of back pain. Some patients experience fast and long lasting relief. Others complain that the relief is small and does not last long. They find they need to return for many repeat sessions, which can be a financial hardship.

Drugs as a Treatment for Back Pain

Best Viewed as a Temporary Aid

Pharmaceutical drugs and medications are typically the treatment of choice for back pain. However, medication is advised only for severe back pain, and as a temporary treatment.

Drugs typically used to provide relief to severe back pain may be purchased over the counter, or by prescription if a larger dosage is required. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs(acetaminophen and ibuprofen) are widely known examples.

Drugs are not recommended for Individuals who suffer from long term or chronic back pain.

The drug categories discussed earlier do not have addictive qualities. However, chronic back pain would require much stronger drugs that are addictive. These stronger drugs are usually prescribed only as a temporary measure while other remedies are being explored.

Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture Treatment | Source

Acupuncture Treatments for Back Pain

An Ancient Technique Stands Up to Scientific Testing

Acupuncture is rooted in Chinese medicine. It has been around for thousands of years in one form or another.

Acupuncturists place thin needles on energy paths known as meridians. The meridians move along the human body and carry an ongoing supply of energy, which Easterners call "chi."

This approach is obviously not in sync with western medicine. Nevertheless, scientific and medically based tests and trials prove it is extremely effective for pain relief and other conditions.

In some locations, the cost of acupuncture may be paid for by a health service or included in medical insurance.

Meridian Tapping for Pain Management

Meridian tapping is a relatively new approach to pain management for back pain or other types of pain. In some cases, it has proven effective as a therapeutic approach as well as a pain management tool.

Meridian tapping involves tapping the fingers lightly on various energy points in the body. It is derived from Eastern medicine and utilizes the same energy systems as we find in acupuncture and similar modalities.
Meridian tapping is similar to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), as developed by Gary Craig. Both are excellent tools to add to the arsenal.

Please refer to the video below for a demonstration of tapping for pain relief.

Video Demo: Tapping for Pain

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