Effective Back Pain Management Strategies: Exercise & Manual Therapies

Back pain can be debilitating for those who suffer with severe problems. It is important to know methods of pain management to control the discomfort and encourage a normal lifestyle.

Exercise

• Exercise can be a way to manage back pain. Certain underlying problems can be helped by regular exercise and stretching. Sciatica, for example, is helped considerably by flexion exercises. Exercise also promotes disc nutrition and health.

Manual Methods

• Manual methods of pain management include adjustments by chiropractors or massaging of muscles. These methods should only be used with certain conditions and all patients should consult their doctors before having such treatment.

NSAIDs

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a commonly prescribed medication for back pain. These drugs are available in prescription strength or over-the-counter. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors.

Narcotic Medication

• Narcotics are only recommended for short-term use because of their addictive properties, but these drugs are usually very effective for acute pain or post-operative pain. These types of pain medication include OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet among others.

Invasive Pain Relief

• Invasive pain relief may be necessary in extreme cases. This type of treatment includes steroid or anesthetic injections; or experimental opioid or electrotherapy implants.