Understanding Back Pain: Causes and Treatments
Back pain is one of the most common health issues people face. It’s important to remember that most of the time, it’s not a serious problem. Whether you have a sore back from lifting something too heavy, there are ways to treat it. If you have a chronic issue, you can also find ways to get back to feeling your best.
What Causes Back Pain?
There are several reasons why people experience back pain. The most common causes are muscle strains, ligament sprains, and issues with the discs in the spine. Sometimes, problems like herniated discs or arthritis can cause pain. Other times, it is something as simple as poor posture or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
How Can Back Pain Be Treated?
The good news is that there are lots of ways to treat back pain. Depending on what’s causing the pain, your doctor might recommend a mix of treatments. Here are some options that can help:
Ice and Heat Therapy
When you have back pain, using ice or heat can sometimes help you feel better. But it’s important to know when to use each one for the best results!
- Heat Therapy: Heat is great for back pain that has been bothering you for a few days or even a week. It helps to relax your muscles and improve blood flow, which can ease pain. You can use a heating pad or a heat wrap for about 20-30 minutes at a time. Heat is recommended for sudden and subacute (1-3 months) back pain because it has been shown to help improve pain and movement.
- Cold Therapy: Cold is best if your back pain just started or if you have swelling. Ice can numb the pain and reduce swelling. It’s not as strongly recommended as heat for back pain, but some people like using it. If you decide to use ice, wrap it in a towel or cloth and apply it for 15-20 minutes. Don’t put ice directly on your skin, because it can hurt your skin.
- If you’re not sure which one to use, remember to ask your doctor for advice. It’s always good to consult them if you have any questions!
Exercise
Exercise can actually help improve back pain by making the muscles stronger and more flexible. Start with simple exercises like walking or stretching. Your doctor may also recommend special exercises to help your back.
Physical Therapy
If your back pain doesn’t get better, you might need physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you stretches and exercises that can help you feel better and move easier.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe stronger medications or muscle relaxants for more severe pain.
How Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Can Help
One of the best tools I use to treat back pain is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on approach where I use gentle movements to help your muscles, joints, and spine feel better. It’s a natural way to treat pain without medicine.
Research shows that OMT can help relieve back pain and make you feel better faster. It works by relaxing tight muscles, improving blood flow, and making your spine move more easily.
What to Expect During OMT: When I treat your back pain with OMT, I may use techniques like:
- Soft tissue work: Gently massaging or stretching muscles.
- Myofascial release: A technique to loosen tight areas in your muscles.
- Counterstrain: Placing your body in a comfortable position that relaxes muscles and relieves pain by easing tender or trigger points.
- Muscle energy techniques: Helping your muscles move in a way that can ease pain.
I also check other parts of your body, like your hips and pelvis, because they can affect your back too. After OMT, you might feel a little sore, like after a workout. Drinking plenty of water helps with this, and we might need a few treatments to really feel better.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your back pain lasts for more than a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor. If the pain is so severe, it stops you from doing your usual activities. Then, it’s time to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have any of these red flags:
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- Pain that spreads down your leg
- Fever, weight loss, or other unusual symptoms
- Numbness or weakness in your legs
Your doctor will be able to do some tests. These tests will help figure out what’s causing your back pain. They can recommend the best treatment for you.
Take Care of Your Back
While back pain is common, there are things you can do to help prevent it. Make sure to keep a healthy weight, stretch regularly, and practice good posture. Lifting heavy objects properly and sleeping in a good position can also help.
If you’re dealing with back pain, don’t worry! With the right treatment, most people start to feel better in a few weeks. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and take care of your back!
Learn More and Schedule an Appointment with Dr Lofley here.
References:
- Franke H, Franke JD, Fryer G. Osteopathic manipulative treatment for nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014 Aug 30;15:286. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-286. PMID: 25175885; PMCID: PMC4159549.
- Dal Farra F, Risio RG, Vismara L, Bergna A. Effectiveness of osteopathic interventions in chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021 Jan;56:102616. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102616. Epub 2020 Nov 13. PMID: 33197571.
- Nguyen C, Boutron I, Zegarra-Parodi R, Baron G, Alami S, Sanchez K, Daste C, Boisson M, Fabre L, Krief P, Krief G, Lefèvre-Colau MM, Rannou F. Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment vs Sham Treatment on Activity Limitations in Patients With Nonspecific Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2021 May 1;181(5):620-630. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.0005. PMID: 33720272; PMCID: PMC7961471.
- Task Force on the Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. American Osteopathic Association Guidelines for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) for Patients With Low Back Pain. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2016 Aug 1;116(8):536-49. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2016.107. PMID: 27455103.
