The back is one of the major physical support systems of the human body. Composed of more than 30 vertebrae, muscles, ligaments and tendons, the backbone protects your spinal cord while working in unison with intervertebral disks to promote fluid movement. According to the Mayo Clinic, when any part of the back is out of place, injured or affected by weight or trauma, back pain can occur. Strains, muscle spasms, sprains, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, herniated disks and osteoporosis are all leading causes of back pain. Whether mild or severe, seeking relief is essential in overall health.
Exercise and Medication
For nonserious back pain caused by muscle spasms, strains and sprains, exercise and medication may be the best option. Bed rest should be avoided for an extended period of time, as it can lead to blood clots and a decrease in muscle tone. A short rest with the assistance of a pillow between the legs to decompress the back is recommended. Mild, nonweight-bearing exercise, such as swimming, yoga and walking is recommended to build muscle strength and help decrease pain. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke suggests that some types of medication may also be beneficial in relieving back pain such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory sprays, patches and creams can numb the back area and provide temporary relief. Opioids like morphine, codeine and hydrocodone are prescribed by a physician and are very effective at treating pain. Patients prescribed these medications, however, must be monitored because of its addictive qualities.
Homeopathic and Nonmedicinal Methods
If your injury is more serious than a muscle spasm or sprain and is not relieved with over-the-counter medication, you may want to consider alternative medicine. Chiropractic care offers spinal manipulation by adjusting the spine and decompressing pinched nerves and muscles. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles that target pressure points. This is believed to release peptides in the body, which may help fight pain and muscle stiffness. According to Spine Universe, TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS therapy involves stimulating muscles with electrical transmission through the skin near affected muscle groups. It is believed to stimulate endorphins and block pain signals in the body, relieving tense muscles and providing pain relief.
Medical Procedures and Surgery
There are several methods of surgery for patients with damaged spines or ruptured disks. The website, Back.com, states that a discectomy is a common type of surgery in which the neurosurgeon removes parts of the spinal cord to relieve a bulging disk or relieve pressure from a pinched nerve. A spinal fusion is where the spinal discs are removed and vertebrae is fused together with bone grafts and secured with screws. Rhizotomy, another surgical procedure, involves cutting the root of a nerve to block the transmission of pain throughout the back.
