Back pain is one of the most common problems that people experience. About 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. While many things can cause back pain, fortunately, there are also numerous back pain treatments available.
What Causes Back Pain?
Here are some of the most common causes of back pain:
- Poor posture: Sitting or standing in a slouched position puts unnecessary strain on your back muscles and spine. Over time, this can lead to pain and stiffness.
- Inactivity: If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it can also contribute to back pain. When you don’t move around much, your muscles and ligaments can become weak and tight, leading to discomfort.
- Injury: An injury is another common cause of back pain. If you’ve been in a car accident or have had a fall, it can cause damage to your spine or muscles.
- Disease: Some diseases can cause back pain, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease.
- Excess weight: If you’re carrying extra weight, it can also strain your back and lead to pain.
When to See a Doctor for Back Pain Treatments
If you’re experiencing back pain, you must see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes. You should also see a medical practitioner if the pain is severe, accompanied by numbness or weakness, or if it worsens even with rest.
6 Ways to Treat Back Pain Effectively
Back pain can be a recurrent problem, but there are several different ways that you can treat it effectively. Here are some back pain treatment tips:
1. Rest
The first step you can take to find relief is to rest. Doing this doesn’t mean staying in bed all day, but you shouldn’t overdo it. If your back hurts, take it easy and don’t do any strenuous activity.
2. Physical therapy
The doctor may also endorse physical therapy to help you strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. A PT can guide you through the best stretches and exercises that will strengthen your muscles and help relieve pain.
3. Medication
Some medications can be effective in treating back pain. These include over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and prescription medications like muscle relaxants.
In some cases, narcotics may also be prescribed for more severe pain. However, narcotics should only be a last resort and only be administered for a short period.
4. Injectables
Injections are also sometimes used to treat back pain. These can include corticosteroid injections, which can help reduce inflammation, and nerve block injections, which can help relieve pain by numbing the affected area.
5. Surgery
For some, it may be necessary to go through surgery to treat back pain. But this is usually only recommended if therapy and other back pain treatments are ineffective.
6. Complementary therapies
Yoga, shiatsu, acupuncture, and chiropractor sessions are some complementary therapies that can effectively treat back pain. These alternative therapies can help to relieve pain and improve your overall health.
Find the Right Back Pain Treatment at PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care
Unlike most ERs or urgent care centers in the area, PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care in Albuquerque, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER and urgent care are open 24 hours a day, every day. No appointment is required for in-person visits.
PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care has four convenient locations:
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Paseo/San Pedro is located at 6400 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, and may be reached at 505-596-2100.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Coors/Western Trail is located at 4515 Coors Blvd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87120, and may be reached at 505-596-2200.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Isleta/Rio Bravo is located at 3436 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105, and may be reached at 505-596-2300.
- PRESNow 24/7 Urgent and Emergency Care Menaul/Pennsylvania is located at 7400 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and may be reached at 505-596-2400.
