One of the most common ailments in adults is back pain, which can manifest anywhere from the neck and shoulders to the lower back. Symptoms may include a dull, aching pain, shooting pains, lack of flexibility or a tendency to favor the pain in the back and not stand up straight. Causes of back pain are varied and may include bulging or herniated disks, muscle strains, sciatica, arthritis and osteoporosis. Before self-treating, see your doctor to find out if the back pain is caused by something more serious, such as an infection.
Physical Therapy
Many forms of back pain can be relieved through physical therapy. The therapist may do some early treatments that ease the pain enough for more aggressive treatment later. Early treatment may include ice, heat or ultrasound to relax the muscles, reduce swelling or increase blood flow to the area of pain. Once the therapist feels you're ready for more aggressive treatment, she may teach you some exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your back to keep the pain from returning.
Alternative Therapy
Back pain sufferers may find relief from alternative therapies. Chiropractic spinal manipulation sometimes relieves pressure on the nerves that cause the pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture is effective in relieving back pain in some people based on the National Institutes of Health studies. If the pain is caused by tight muscles, massage therapy can sometimes relax the tension in the muscles.
Exercise
Daniel Mazanec, MD, with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health, claims that weakness in the muscles around the spine may lead to pain and fatigue. He recommends exercise to strengthen the back. Water exercises are low impact and help build and strengthen core muscles without putting pressure on the knees, hips or feet. Other exercises Dr. Mazanec recommends are exercise ball routines, floor exercise routines designed for the back and mind-body workouts, such as tai chi, Pilates or yoga.
Medication
Doctors may sometimes recommend medication such as over-the-counter drugs acetaminophen or the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen to relieve back pain. If these drugs don't work, a muscle relaxant or narcotic may be prescribed.
Rest
Rest and sleep are essential for health and regeneration of the entire body. If the pain is so bad you can't fall asleep, you may need some medication to induce sleep. Some people also find that curling into a fetal position or placing a pillow between their knees relieves some of the pressure on the back.
Heat or Ice
Applying heat or ice to the area of pain can also provide some temporary relief. Heat increases circulation, which promotes healing. Ice reduces swelling. An article on the University of Maryland Medical Center website recommends alternating between ice and heat with three repetitions of each being applied for three minutes, several times per day.
