Back pain can be caused by an accident, a sports injury, working or through daily activity. Most cases of back pain are episodic meaning they only occur occasionally and for a specific reason. Back aches and back muscle strain can generally be treated with home remedies. Serious injuries or severe back pain may require medical attention.
Oral Medications
For episodic or mild back pain, your doctor will most likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen are all commonly available NSAIDs. For more moderate back pain, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer, or for severe back pain, a narcotic such as codeine or hydrocodone. Be aware that narcotics are prescribed only for a short time and must be monitored by your doctor to prevent long-term dependence and possible addiction. In some cases, doctors have prescribed tricyclic antidepressants, as they have been found to relieve chronic back pain.
Injections
If your back pain is being caused by a spinal injury or disorder, or if your back pain is affecting the nerves in your back, your doctor may administer a cortisone injection. Cortisone is also an anti-inflammatory drug. If your experience any type of radiating pain, particularly pain radiating down your leg, this means that your pain is related to some type of deficiency in your spine. Cortisone injections are typically injected into the spinal cord or near the affected nerves to relieve pain.
Physical Activity
Although you may have a tendency to reduce your activity, in some cases, increasing your physical activity can help to alleviate or prevent back pain. Stretching is important to increase flexibility and strengthen your back muscles. If you have chronic back pain, you might consider working with a physical therapist to learn specific activities that will help you to prevent back pain and develop more resistance.
