Back pain is experienced by 80% of the people at least once in a lifetime. It may be sudden or constant, very severe, or mild. The cause can range from simple weight lifting in wrong posture, disc protrusion or spine arthritis etc. Whatever might be the cause, once your back starts paining, sometimes it becomes very difficult to get rid of the pain. Sometimes, back pain can be very serious which demands immediate treatment. Back pain treatment is completely dependent on the history of the patients and the severity and type of pain. There are cases of back pain that get better within a few weeks without any kind of surgery. There are few tips that you can follow for treating the pain yourself.
Stay Active
The most important thing that you can do for treating your back pain is staying active and continuing with your normal day-to-day activities. Thinking that bed rest would help you in recovering fast is completely wrong. If you have severe back pain, bed rest of not more than 72 hours is recommended. Bed rest for long duration will weaken your muscles and further aggravate the pain. Remaining active will actually help you in recovering quickly. This might be a little difficult for you in the beginning but you should not get discouraged. Try going back to work as soon as possible because this will help you in returning to your normal activity pattern and might distract you from your back pain.
Stretches and Back Exercises
Some simple stretches and back exercises can also be of good help in reducing back pain. You can practice these exercises at home as you require them. The best back pain treatment is consulting a pain physician and knowing the right back exercises that you can do. Activities like swimming, walking, Pilates, and yoga can also provide good help. It must be remembered that all yoga poses do not suit all the patients of back pain. It must be customised.
Painkillers
Paracetamol and NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac can be of great help in relieving back pain. There are different varieties of these tablets available at pharmacies and you do not require any prescription for buying these drugs. These medicines can be taken only for short duration. If your pain has persisted beyond 3 months, it is must that you visit a pain specialist.
Cold and Hot Packs
Heat placed on the back can be of good help in relieving back pain. You can always place a hot water bottle or take a hot bath for treating your back problem. Ice packs can also provide short term pain relief.
Stress management
Stress management like mindfulness and meditation help in relaxing muscles and releasing certain chemicals which help in management of pain.
