Back or neck pain is a common problem for many Americans. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 80 percent of the population will have a back problem at some point in their lives. Back pain can be caused by many different conditions, such as a herniated disc, muscle strains, joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and a host of other things. Many episodes of back pain are accompanied and exacerbated by inflammation. One treatment choice is injections of corticosteroids directly into the area of inflammation and pain. Since steroids have significant side effects, other treatment options are often recommended first.
Self-Care
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most patients who have back pain recover with simple self-care measures within a few days, but those whose pain persists more than 72 hours should see a professional. Effective self-care measures for most causes of back pain include a very short period of rest, ice packs applied over the area for 20 minutes every two hours, gentle stretching and exercise.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors are doctors who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions involving the spine and musculoskeletal system. They are concerned with proper alignment, movement and function of joints and soft tissues. Chiropractors use joint manipulation or adjustments as their primary method of treatment. Adjustments are short, swift impulses that help restore joint motion. Improving mobility and function in the spine is often all that is necessary to relieve back pain. According to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research quoted on the American Chiropractic Association's web page, spinal manipulation is the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back pain.
Traction
Some patients who suffer with back pain due to a herniated disc find relief with a variety of traction options. Non-surgical spinal decompression devices are utilized within doctors' offices and employ a motorized table that stretches the spine in small increments, helping to release pressure on discs and pinched nerves. Inversion tables that patients can buy for home use can have a similar effect, but require the patient to hang upside down--something that may not be possible for many people.
Medication
Before using more dangerous and potent steroid injections, it is appropriate to try over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medications treat both inflammation and pain. If back pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe a short course of narcotics, muscle relaxers, or even antidepressants, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist, in conjunction with a doctor, can devise a treatment program that addresses muscle dysfunction and can be useful in relieving pain, according to Spine Universe. Many cases of back pain can be associated with short, tight muscles and weak muscles that allow joints to experience great additional stress.
