The misery of back pain affects 8 in 10 people — you are not alone!
When back pain strikes, it takes over your life. Routine activities like dressing, taking a shower, and driving a car are difficult, if not impossible.
Back pain, especially chronic back pain, robs you of your ability to live your life to the fullest. As time goes on, people who suffer from back pain, become desperate to try anything that might help relieve their pain and suffering. They reach out to therapists, chiropractors, and medical doctors hoping someone can help. Every day, it gets worse; draining your strength and affecting your mood. For people who have terrible, debilitating back pain, the future can seem dark.
Statistics show that more than half of all Americans suffer from back pain during their lifetime. 30% of these people are adult males who report severe back pain affects their ability to work. There are over 3 million sick days taken for back pain making the condition the primary reason for doctor’s appointments next to hypertension and diabetes-related issues.
The good news is, there are interventional treatments available that could change your life and restore movement. You may not have to live with your back pain forever.
Why Does My Back Hurt So Much?
Back pain is so uncomfortable and persistent, it drives people to seek and try any number of remedies. Research proves that the cause of back pain stems from hereditary factors to everyday habits and movements in your daily routine such as:
- Prolonged hours of sitting or a sedentary lifestyle
- Arthritis
- Bending
- Lifting
- Twisting
- Poor posture
- Bumps and falls
- Joint and muscle imbalances
- Smoking
Trying Anything and Everything to Stop Your Back Pain
As time goes on, the stress from these conditions causes extreme pressure on the spine resulting in pain. In reality, it may have taken years for you to reach the point where you are today, when, in fact, it began days or years ago. At first, you may think it is a temporary condition as it very well could be. However, back pain typically worsens over time forcing the sufferer to seek help.
The following remedies are helpful when treating minor back discomfort due to inflammation, muscle soreness, and/or muscle weakness:
Walking
Taking periodic walks throughout the day is an effective treatment for an aching back. Walking increases circulation and encourages joint activity. It also promotes muscle contractions which then relax.
Massaging Pressure Points
When tight muscles are the cause of back pain, target the point where the pain originates (trigger point) and place pressure on the area by lying on a tennis or baseball-sized ball. Apply pressure for approximately 20-30 seconds, relax, then stretch. Repeat periodically throughout the day to help ease muscle tension.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
There are specific points in the human body that literally control the sensation of pain. Conditions such as sciatica and back pain can be managed by locating acupressure points and stimulating them by applying firm pressure for approximately 10 seconds. Acupuncture works basically the same way by inserting extremely thin needles through the patient’s skin to varying depths. Both treatments offer relief without having to take any oral medication.
Additional Resources for Back Pain Relief
HF10
This is a method of SCS (spinal cord stimulation) approved by the FDA for chronic back and leg pain relief. HF10 is covered by Medicare and most major insurance plans.
Back Pain Relief Products That May Help
- Back Massagers
- Heating Pads
- Inflammation Cream
- TENS Units– an electrical device designed to send low-voltage currents into the human body
- Trigger Point Foam Rollers designed to emulate massage therapy
- Inversion Table — relieves pressure by tilting the body and elongating the spine
- Yoga
- Over-the-counter meds including Advil, Motrin, and Ibuprofen
What Kind of Back Pain Issues Do You Have?
Pain can originate from a variety of medical, work-related, and physical conditions. The first thing you should do in the event regular heat or massage treatments don’t work is contact a medical professional experienced in treating back ailments and conditions. There are numerous debilitating conditions that can worsen if not treated correctly including:
Disc Herniation
Herniated discs and/or related spine disorders commonly occurring after falls, sports trauma, car accidents, or as an effect of aging. Treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Osteopathic/chiropractic manipulation (manual manipulation)
- Heat and/or ice therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Oral steroids (e.g. prednisone or methylprednisolone)
- An epidural (cortisone) injection
Sciatica
Sciatica pain is usually severe, affecting the hips, back, and sides of the leg. It is caused when a spinal nerve is compressed in the lower back, often due to aging or degenerative disease of an intervertebral disk.
Get Your Life Back
MidSouth Pain Treatment Center specializes in interventional pain management treatments to help individual conditions of the back and spine. Find professional, compassionate relief from the stress and agony associated with your back today. Meet and talk with our team of dedicated medical experts who are on a mission to skillfully investigate and diagnose the problems you’re experiencing.
Contact one of our offices today for treatment using the best technology available. It’s time for a consultation that leads to a healthier and better life. Call us at Toll-Free Direct Phone and eFax (All Locations): (866) 707-1942.
