Back Pain Management

Managing back pain is often times an individual endeavor. From watching your posture to taking medication or possibly some cream, back pain management can be done independently to support back pain relief.  Some of the ways you can accomplish this is “possibly” through medication and do-it-yourself therapies.  I generally try to avoid any type of medication and go the holistic route. But in some cases some people may need medication to help cope with their extreme pain.  As mentioned before it varies with each person.

Common over-the-counter medications used in independent pain management are:

• Bayer
• Excedrin
• Motrin
• Aleve
• Percocet
• Flexerill
• Ativan
• Dalmane
• Halcion
• Klonopin
• Valium
• Ambien
• Lunesta
• Sonata
• Cymbalta
• Willow Bark

Back pain medication should only be used as instructed on the label for the best results. While all work to get rid of pain, certain medications may target only certain types of pain, such as those concentrated around the muscles or the joints. Read the label carefully and do some research to help you find the most effective pain medication you need to for independent pain management.

Other forms of individual pain management include:

• Minimally invasive surgery: Although it is technically a form of surgery, its minimally-invasive nature renders it a viable form of pain management that has a shortened recovery time, allowing the patient to practically manage the pain on their own.
• Ice and heat therapy: Using cold and heat packs to alleviate pain, ice and heat therapy can be done virtually anywhere with a variety of objects. Heated or frozen towels can be placed anywhere on the back to reduce swelling and the discomfort of back pain. It has proven to be a legitimate form of pain management that costs little while providing great relief.

For chronic back pain management, a physician’s visit should first be completed before attempting any form of independent pain management. Chronic back pain is usually an indicator of larger underlying issues that will likely need to be addressed by a physician’s evaluation. Prescription or over-the-counter medication could be recommended, but other treatment options for surgery or therapy may also be suggested.

When done properly, managing back pain effectively can lead to lasting relief. With a physical exam, possibly some use of medication if you decide to go this route, and the consideration of other therapies, back pain management can lead to a more active and functional life.