Back Pain Treatment – Learn about the Nonsurgical Options

1. Back Pain Treatment – Learn about the Nonsurgical Options Back pain can range from persistent dull ache to a sudden sharp pain or chronic pain. The article lists the top non-surgical back pain treatment modalities in Brooklyn. Back pain is a common complaint affecting people of all age groups at some point in their lives. Reports suggest that back pain affects about 80 percent of American adults and is a top cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days. The pain can range from constant dull ache to a sudden sharp pain or chronic pain. In a professional pain management center in Brooklyn, a team of healthcare experts will collaborate to diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment using a variety of nonsurgical modalities. Pain in the low back area can occur due to various factors such as muscle or ligament strain, bulging/ruptured disc, skeletal irregularities and injury to the bones or spine. Wrong body posture, heavy or strenuous work and certain medical conditions can also cause back pain. Back issues can also cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected. Symptoms include: Muscle aches Pain that improves with reclining Pain that radiates down your leg Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking Shooting or stabbing pain Tingling or burning sensation

2. Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Back Pain Diagnosis of this pain condition will begin with a detailed physical examination and evaluation of symptoms. The physician will examine your back in detail and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift the legs. Diagnostic imaging studies like X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, nerve studies and bone scans may be conducted to assess the soft tissues. These evaluations will help identify the root cause of your back pain and muscle spasms. Generally, most back pain gets better with a few weeks of home treatment. But, if the pain does not improve, it is important to consult a pain management doctor at a reliable healthcare center. Leading multispecialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a wide range of nonsurgical back pain treatment modalities: Physical Therapy -Physical therapy consists of therapeutic exercise programs such as general strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises that help to improve normal function and movement of joints. These exercises also help support the spine and its joints including the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) –NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) provide relief from back pain. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) –This modality utilizes low-voltage electrical current to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Chiropractic care– Chiropractic treatment involves the application of a specific controlled force to realign the spine. It reduces pressure on pinched nerves, improves the flexibility of the spine, and reduces pain. This involves spinal manipulation using the hands or a special instrument. Epidural steroid injections –Epidural steroid injections deliver steroids into the joints, muscles, ligaments or around nerves to reduce inflammation. Heat/Ice Application – Heat application relaxes the muscles and heals the injured tissue. Ice application on the other hand, lowers blood flow to the affected area, thereby reducing swelling, inflammation and pain.

3. Radiofrequency ablation –An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area. Practicing proper body mechanics and maintaining body fitness can help prevent back pain. The key is to keep your back muscles strong. Maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, using proper lifting techniques and eating a balanced diet can also help prevent back pain. (718) 769-2521