When it comes to treating back pain, we must first separate what it is an acute problem from what it is a chronic problem. Many treatments are only effective for one type of problem.
Chronic back pain is one that lasts more than 6 months. It sometimes needs a multidisciplinary approach, that is, the intervention of various specialists to solve it.
Pain killers
Pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are very helpful. This type of medication is effective in pain less than three months of evolution. However, it should not be used in chronic cases as a maintenance medication.
Physical therapy
Capacitive diathermy
It is one of the most powerful and effective techniques in the treatment both in its acute and chronic phase, capacitive diathermy produces rapid relief of soreness and inflammation. It generates an endothermic effect in such a way that by increasing the heat in-depth, it increases blood flow while relaxing muscle tissue, the combination of both factors multiplies its therapeutic effect. Physiotherapy with capacitive diathermy is very powerful in the treatment in all its phases.
TENS
The high-frequency Tens combined with the low frequency is a very useful therapy to ensure that the patient can control soreness outbreaks at home. They are very simple and home-use equipment, if the physiotherapist teaches his patient to use the Tens correctly it will provide you with a powerful weapon that will allow you to reduce the painful sensation.
Massage
The realization of a gentle and relaxing massage will relieve the sensation of pressure and pain in the lower back.
Ultrasound
This ultrasound is a therapy that uses sound vibration to cause an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect of soreness in the affected lower back, in a way it generates a type of deep vibratory massage transmitted by sonic waves.
Radar therapy
It is a way of applying heat that is sometimes effective, it has the disadvantage that it is the outer layers: the skin and the fatty tissue that heat up and absorb more energy.
Infrared therapy
The application of external heat blocks part of the signal the nerve transmits. It also produces a certain relaxation effect on the musculature. Thereby, we achieve some pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Spinal injection
It consists of injecting steroidal anti-inflammatories – derived from cortisone – alone or with local anaesthetics in the medullary canal, in the area surrounding the membranes that surround the medulla. This area is the epidural space.
The goal is to reduce inflammation, especially in the nerve roots, and improve soreness.
Surgery
If the pain does not subside within four weeks, it is time to consult with a specialist. But also to perform an imaging test such as magnetic resonance due to its high resolution in image and safety. After the corresponding assessment, the appropriate treatment is determined, which rarely involves facing a surgical intervention. In fact, this treatment is required in approximately 10% of cases of persistent low back pain.
At the London Spine Unit, we have some of the best specialists to diagnose and treat this condition.
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How effective is medication for back pain?
Pain killers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are very helpful. This type of medication is effective in pain less than three months of evolution. However, it should not be used in chronic pain as a maintenance medication.
Is physical therapy useful for back pain?
Capacitive diathermy, Radiofrequency Denervation, TENS, massages, ultrasound, radar therapy and infrared therapy are some really effective techniques to alleviate your back pain.
Are local injections effective for back pain?
The procedure involves injecting steroidal anti-inflammatories – derived from cortisone – alone or with local anaesthetics in the medullary canal, in the area surrounding the inflamed tissues. This area is the epidural space.The goal is to reduce inflammation, especially nerve roots, allow muscles to strengthen and allow time for the body to heal and improve pain.
Is surgery effective for back pain?
Surgery can be highly effective as a last resort when other methods have been tried and failed if the pain does not subside within four weeks, it is time to consult with a specialist. But also to perform an imaging test such as magnetic resonance due to its high resolution in image and safety. After the corresponding assessment, the appropriate treatment is determined, which rarely involves facing a surgical intervention. In fact, this treatment is required in approximately 10% of cases of persistent low back pain.