Tips For Managing Recurring Back Pain

When back pain hits, the only thing you can think about is relief. Back pain makes walking, bending and doing just about anything difficult. Relief is available even if your back pain is the result of an injury, a degenerative disease or years of not properly caring for your back. You can manage your back pain, and all you need to do is discuss your options with your doctor until you find the solution that works.

Massage Therapy

The most common reason people do not utilize massage therapy as part of their pain management routine is because they do not understand it. Massage therapy is the manipulation of muscles and joints to relieve pain and allow for greater mobility. While massage therapy can be done for pleasure, it is generally done for rehabilitation and pain management.
You should only go to a certified massage therapist who comes highly recommended by your doctor. The massage therapist will target specific areas that can be worked over to loosen tight muscles and help to relieve tension. Massage therapy is not a pain solution, but it definitely should be part of your pain management routine.

Exercise From A Physical Therapist

When a spinal disc is herniated or bulges, it pushes against the nerves in your spinal column to create recurring pain. A certified physical therapist can put you in a program of exercises that includes traction to try and move the protruded disc away from your spinal column. Then your therapist will give you exercises to strengthen your back and hold the discs in place.
A good exercise program from a certified physical therapist will work on the muscles in your lower back that help to protect your spine. As these muscles get stronger, they can do more to protect your spinal column from your protruding disc, and they can also help to move the disc back into place.

Losing Weight

Excess weight causes stress on your entire body, and especially your back. The downward pull of extra pounds can have a devastating effect on your lower back that often does not go away until the pounds are lost.
As you get older, your body changes. Your back muscles weaken with age and a sedentary lifestyle, and the discs in your spine also deteriorate to offer less support. The more weight your body has to carry, the more pain you will feel. Losing weight will bring pain relief for the long-term, and weight loss will have other positive health effects as well.

Spa Treatments

Your pain management regimen does not need to be all work and no play. A day at the spa once in a while can do wonders for a bad back. The whirlpool bath, massage therapy and relaxation offered by a spa can help to reduce pain throughout your entire body.
It is important to note that you should not consider weekly spa treatments to be any sort of pain management plan. But a whirlpool bath and some professional relaxation once a month can release tension and help to manage your back pain.
Living with chronic back pain can create a feeling of helplessness mixed with frustration. You feel like you are unable to accomplish anything, and it sometimes feels like life is passing you by. The good news is that pain can be managed and even the most serious instances of pain can be brought under control.
Pain management starts with an evaluation from an expert. Talk to your primary doctor about getting your pain issues looked at by expert orthopedic surgeons and let them help you put together a plan for pain management that will work.
From childhood vaccinations to managing recurring back pain, the physicians of 1960 Family Practice offer a comprehensive list of diagnostic and clinical services for the entire family. For more information, please contact us by calling (281) 586-3888 or filling out an appointment request to schedule an appointment with a doctor in Houston today.