How Do I Fix My Back Pain?
Low back pain affects thousands of people, often causing high levels of pain and an overall disruption in mobility. According to a recent study, 25% of adults in the United States have experienced lower back pain in the past 3 months. Causing more disability than any other ailment reported worldwide, pain commonly lasts weeks or even months. While medication may be helpful, many patients can benefit from other non-surgical interventions. Physical therapy and mindfulness, when combined with medication, can prove to be effective treatment methods for stubborn cases of back pain.
1. Managing your meds
Most back pain is caused by injury or overuse. For the vast majority of cases, back pain goes away within a few weeks. If symptoms last more than 3 months, pain is clinically considered chronic. While medication can be valuable for pain relief, many doctors suggest that alternative options provide longer lasting impacts. Certain medications can be habit forming, while failing to address the underlying cause of pain. In cases of long-term back pain, opioids can provide valuable relief, although these can increase addiction risks. Notably, healthcare practitioners emphasize that opioids are meant for temporary, rather than prolonged, use.
2. Busting a move
To protect the spine and prevent future pain, key experts suggest building back strength via physical therapy. Strengthening muscles around the spine can help support body weight while lowering the risk of additional injuries. Moreover, a comprehensive physical therapy routine can help a patient develop flexibility, thereby protecting against severe flare ups. Physical therapists generally work with patients to retrain posture, strengthen the core, and determine personal mobility limits. By using strengthening movements tailored to the individual, physical therapists effectively nip future injuries in the bud.
3. Mastering the mind
Chronic pain can impact the body, mind, and spirit. Strengthening the connection between the mind and the body can help patients reframe chronic pain. Tai chi, meditation, yoga, and more can help manage the diverse aspects of chronic pain. By funneling energy into a low-stress activity, patients can keep the mind off the pain.
Preventing future spine pain
From arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis to dislodged discs and pain disorders, lower back pain impacts thousands of Americans every year. In cases of debilitating pain, medication is often the first defense. Although effective for temporary use, other non-surgical treatments can provide better benefits with less risks than certain opioids. Working with a physical therapist helps many patients identify problem areas and build out individual strategies for pain.
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“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
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“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
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“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
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“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
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