According to Science Daily, an estimated 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. With causes including sitting for long periods, poor posture and even stomach sleeping, back pain is one of the most common prolonged conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or even suggest surgery, but perhaps you would rather try a method that is neither addictive nor invasive. Exploring treatment options that may alleviate or eradicate your pain is a wise way to find the best solution for your body, your situation and your life.
Acupuncture
A trained acupuncturist inserts ultra-fine needles into specific points in your body. This ancient procedure is thought to stimulate the central nervous system, prompting the body to release chemicals such as endorphins into the brain, muscles and spinal cord. If your physician has diagnosed the cause of your pain and ruled out any serious conditions, acupuncture is a safe treatment that can help you manage your back pain, especially when paired with other therapies such as chiropractic care.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors such as Mauk Chiropractic receive training in numerous aspects of the body including orthopedics, neurology, diagnostic imaging and more. They will ask you about your medical history, perform an exam and may use diagnostic equipment to determine the best treatment for your back pain. Your chiropractor might apply multiple safe, effective therapies, such as stretching and exercises, ice and heat, diet and lifestyle modification counseling or a TENS unit in addition to spinal manipulation for quick and noticeable relief.
Physical Therapy
Combining physiotherapy with exercise, physical therapy works to reduce your existing pain while rehabilitating the spine to eliminate the cause of your back pain and help prevent future problems. A physical therapist may use heat and ice, TENS units, ultrasound and Iontophoresis, a form of electrical stimulation, to aid in pain relief. In addition, physical therapists often teach their patients stretching and strengthening exercises they can do at home to accelerate healing.
Therapeutic Massage
You might think massages are only spa day luxuries, but this treatment option can be a highly successful back pain remedy. Massages improve circulation, which facilitates healing and reduces soreness. It also relaxes muscles, which is ideal if you are experiencing back spasms or other muscular pain. Massages can increase endorphin levels, which are the "feel good" chemicals your body produces that help fight pain and stress. Consider combining therapeutic massage with other treatments, such as chiropractic or physical therapy, for optimum results.
Just as your body is unique, there is no single correct solution for back pain. Finding the perfect therapy or combination of therapies for you may take a little time and research, but when you discover what works it will be well worth your efforts.
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