Chances are, you are someone who experiences back pain and is looking for relief. It may be hard to remember when you didn’t have back pain. As we get older, back pain seeps into every corner of our lives, affecting our jobs, daily activities, and leisure. Unfortunately, for some, back pain is so bad that relief from pain is rare.
Chronic back pain is no joke and can seriously inhibit one’s life. There is no one straight answer to pain management since not all back pain is the same, but there are a few methods you could try.
If your chronic back pain seems to never disappear, orthopedic physical therapy may be your best option. Hershey Orthopedic and Spine Rehabilitation, located in Lancaster, PA, consists of a team of physical therapists dedicated to assisting you to a pain-free life. With various treatment options, Hershey Orthopedics can diagnose and treat any sort of back pain.
So, what are some methods of relieving persistent back pain?
Massage therapy
Weekly massages can help relieve muscular back pain. If your pain is caused by tight muscles, having a professional massage you once a week can significantly improve pain relief.
Heat and ice
You can apply heat and ice several times a day, depending on the type of pain you suffer from. If your back feels inflamed, try icing it for twenty-minute increments every day. If your back feels tight and knotted, apply heat daily for the same amount of time.
Electric stimulation
Stimulation devices can be purchased and used at home. For 10-15 minutes a day, apply the sticky pads directly to your back muscles (avoiding bones) and turn the machine up to a setting where you can feel a buzzing sensation. Stim should not be painful, so do not put the device on a setting you cannot tolerate.
Better posture
A simple fix, correcting your posture, can make all the difference in your life. Avoiding slouching or arching the back while sitting, standing, and laying down takes the pressure off of your muscles. Talk to a professional about how you can improve your standing posture and how you can adjust your sleeping positions to support your spine.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Another simple fix is an anti-inflammatory medication. If your pain is not as persistent, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin, and other pain-relieving medications will work just fine. If these medications don’t help and the pain persists, speak to a doctor.
Spinal pain does not have to be a burden on your life. You can take action and get back to living pain-free. If you think physical therapy may be the best long-term pain-relief option, talk to Hershey Orthopedics. Their orthopedic physical therapists will actively work your back to pinpoint, relieve, and prevent further pain. Physical therapy is an excellent, collaborative therapy to reduce pain and get you back to who you were before.
If you want to talk to a professional to get back on track with your life, check out orthopedic physical therapy with Hershey Orthopedics for your back pain treatment.
