If you suffer from lower back pain, there are several options available to you. You can seek treatment for your condition through a variety of different methods, including physical therapy, Acupuncture, and Spinal fusion. Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand your condition and your options.
Spinal fusion
If you suffer from lower back pain, a spinal fusion may be the right treatment for you. However, the decision to have surgery is not always easy. You need to consider the risks and benefits of the procedure before you make your final decision.
Before the spinal fusion is performed, your doctor will need to perform a series of preoperative laboratory tests. These will include blood tests and X-rays. The x-rays will give your surgeon a clearer picture of your spine.
During the surgery, your surgeon will use a bone graft. This can be your own bone or from a bone bank. Your surgeon will take the graft from your pelvis or hip.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy for lower back pain is a form of treatment that strengthens the muscles in your back and improves your posture. This can help you reduce or eliminate the need for surgery.
A physical therapist can work with you to develop an exercise program that is right for you. They may prescribe exercises for your back that are light and gentle or that are more intense.
Your physical therapist can also suggest stretches that you can do at home. The proper stretching will warm up your muscles and prevent muscle spasms.
Acupuncture
There is a growing body of scientific research that shows the benefits of acupuncture for lower back pain treatment. It has been shown to be effective and safe.
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with conventional treatments to improve back pain. However, acupuncture is not a permanent cure. Patients often have to take multiple sessions to see results.
Acupuncture for lower back pain treatment should only be performed by trained professionals. The acupuncturist will identify and target the points on the body that are affected.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture, you can discuss your options with your regular physician. They will be able to more accurately predict the need for acupuncture and post-procedure aftercare.
Avoiding activities and positions that aggravate the pain
The most important question of all is what exactly should you do? Thankfully, the folks at Mayo have your back. If you are prone to the misforts, there are some proven tactics to prevent the dreaded pounce. Keeping your spine in line can be a pain. A little forethought and preparation can keep you from a back related calamity. Having an idea of what to do and when to do it will make all the difference. This is not to say that you must not exercise your body in order to enjoy the fruits of your labours.
Disc herniation
If you have lower back pain that seems to be related to an injury, you may have a herniated disc. It is a common cause of back pain. A herniated disk causes pressure on the nerves that run through the spinal cord. This can cause numbness and weakness in the legs.
There are several ways to treat a herniated disk. The most common form is a surgical procedure called a microdiskectomy. During this procedure, a small incision is made just above the area where the disc is herniated.
After the incision is made, the surgeon moves the nerve roots out of the way so that he or she can see the intervertebral disc. Next, the surgeon removes the ruptured material from the disc. He or she uses a microscope to complete the operation.
Facet pain
One of the most common causes of back pain is facet joint syndrome. Facet joint disorders almost always require structured physical therapy. Physical therapy helps to speed up the healing process of tissues.
Physical therapists also teach proper stretching and lifting techniques. They may recommend a mechanical back brace to limit twisting and bending. Keeping an upright posture is also recommended. Regular short walks can help to improve flexibility and strength in the lower back.
Medications can help to reduce pain. Doctors may prescribe topical creams or oral anti-inflammatory drugs. A variety of surgical treatments are available. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to relieve pain.
Sciatic nerve
The nerve that travels from the lower back to the hips, the sciatic nerve, is the longest nerve in the human body. It originates from the lumbar spine, buttocks, and sacrum. Injuries to the nerve can cause sciatica. Symptoms can vary, but include numbness or pins and needles in the leg.
Usually, sciatica starts with a herniated disk. This occurs when the soft center of the disc pushes out of its socket. However, it can occur for other reasons.
For many people, the pain and symptoms of sciatica are relieved by simple self-care therapies. However, others may require more aggressive treatment.