How to treat spine pain?

There are several causes that can trigger spinal pain. Therefore, the treatment recommended by the doctor may be different for each person. Initially, your doctor may advise you to reduce activity first and rest for 1-3 days when symptoms first appear. This time period is considered ideal because resting for too long can actually increase pain and loss of muscle strength. If just resting the pain has not subsided, the doctor can recommend treatment. Here are several ways, including medication, to treat spinal pain, which are commonly given by doctors:

1. Pain medication

Quoted from The National Center of Biotechnology Information, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be an option to relieve mild to moderate pain in the spine, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. If the symptoms are more severe, the doctor can prescribe stronger pain relievers, namely opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or tramadol. Apart from pain relievers, other medicines may also be given to help cure spinal pain, such as antidepressants (duloxetine) or muscle relaxants. texomapainandspine

2. Physical therapy

Doctors may also recommend physical therapy as a way to help relieve spinal pain. This method can also help build strength and flexibility, and prevent future injuries. Physical treatment or therapy includes massage therapy, traction, stretching exercises, ultrasound, ice and heat therapy, and electrical stimulation.

3. Spinal injection

Spinal injections are recommended by doctors to treat inflammation and reduce pain directly at the source. Common injections include:

Epidural steroid (cortisone) injections, in areas near nerves or in the spinal canal.
Injections into small joints (facet joints), in or near the joints can treat arthritis joint pain.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections, in the spine as well as the pelvis.
Trigger point injections, to help the muscles relax and reduce pain.

4. Surgery

If spinal pain is severe, it is possible that you will need a surgical approach, such as laminectomy, microdiscectomy, fusion of two vertebrae, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, or total disc replacement (arthroplasty).

Spinal pain commonly occurs due to sudden trauma or injury or long-term excessive use. This makes the muscle fibers (ligaments) stretch abnormally so they may cramp, tighten, twist, or tear. Muscles that are stretched due to injury or repetitive use can result in inflammation of the surrounding soft tissue. This inflammation causes the spine to feel painful due to muscle spasms. Spinal pain can also be caused by nerve problems, such as sciatica pain. A pinched nerve in the back can cause pain that radiates from the spine to the extremities of the body or chest wall.