Drug Free Treatments for Back Pain

Eight out of every 10 Americans will experience some type of back pain in their lives. Back pain can reduce the quality of your life and keep you from doing simple things. The most common reasons for back pain include strains, sprains, injuries, poor spine flexibility, poor posture, herniated discs, and age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Although medications are widely used to treat painful back conditions, pill-popping is not the only way to relieve back pain.

Acupuncture for Back Pain

Acupuncture is an age-old Chinese medical practice used to treat numerous ailments, including back pain. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted along pathways of the body to calm the sympathetic nervous system, unblock energy and release endorphins in the body.

Massage Therapy for Back Pain

Massage therapy is widely used way to relieve back pain. Massage relaxes knotted muscles, relieves stress, releases toxins, triggers the release of endorphins and improves circulation in the body. Swedish, shiatsu, and deep tissue are the most common types of massages used to relieve back pain.

A Swedish massage is done with the recipient lying on a massage table unclothed. The masseuse applies oil to her hands and uses long, even strokes to massage the back and other areas of the body. A shiatsu massage is a Japanese therapy that uses localized pressure from the fingers, knuckles, feet, and elbows to relax tense muscles. And a deep tissue massage uses intense pressure to reach deep into the connective tissues to relieve pain.

Decompression Therapy to Treat Painful Back Conditions

Spinal decompression treatments are administered by back pain specialists to treat herniated discs and other types of back injuries. During decompression therapy, patients lie strapped on a specialized table, and a computer guided traction machine pulls the space in the spine open. This process relieves pressure on the nerves and allows nutrients to return to the discs.

Spinal decompression therapy is not a one time process; it requires multiple sessions to completely heal damaged discs. This treatment is not appropriate for children, pregnant women, and those with severe osteoporosis.

Hot and Cold Compresses for Back Pain

Using cold and hot compresses on the back can relieve back pain. Ice reduces inflammation and heat improves circulation and loosens tight muscles. Heat can increase inflammation, so wait at least 48-hours before applying a hot compress to a back injury. A heating pad or hot water bottles are ideal ways to apply heat to the back. To make a cold compress, dip a small towel in ice water and squeeze out the excess water. Cold and heat packs can also be purchased at drug stores.

Back pain can reduce your quality of life and make you miserable. Thankfully, drugs are not the only option. When administered properly, massage, acupuncture and decompression therapy are all effective ways to relieve back pain.