Common Back Pain Remedies and Solutions

 

by Lindy Royer, P.T.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique which uses tiny needles placed in specific locations to rebalance "vital energy" or "Qi" (pronounced "chi"). This influences the total health of the body by stimulating meridians, or energy pathways, allowing the body to heal itself.

Pros:

• Studies indicate that it reduces pain
• Acupuncture is safe when performed correctly
• Has minimal side affects
• Good alternative to medication

Cons:

• There is a risk of infection if acupuncture is not performed in a sterile environment under the care of a certified practitioner
• Bleeding can occur if the patient is taking blood thinners
• Sometimes soreness or bruising can occur at the needle sites.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors often perform spinal manipulation, where the bones of the spine are adjusted with a high velocity thrust into realignment.

Pros:

• Chiropractic can be helpful if a locked spinal segment is causing your pain
• Some chiropractors use less aggressive techniques such as stretching and massage to rebalance your supporting muscles, which can be helpful to restore alignment

Cons:

• Manipulation pushes a joint beyond its normal range, which can cause further damage to surrounding tissues
• Most back pain syndromes are due to a failure of the supporting tissues, not to the bones themselves, so addressing only the bones will not solve your problem
• There is evidence that chiropractic manipulation can cause damage to ligaments, discs, and blood vessels
• Chiropractic can lead to permanent nerve damage and even stroke.
• Avoid chiropractic if you have:
  • Osteoporosis
  • Signs and symptoms of nerve damage
  • Back pain with associates fever, chills, weight loss

Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies are available to address the different aspects of back pain. For example, Bromelain (pineapple extract) and ginger both have an anti-inflammatory effect. Epsom salts can be used in a bath to reduce pain and promote healing. There are also many herbal remedies prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine with good results. Even medical marijuana can be considered an herbal pain remedy.

Pros:

• Some herbal remedies are useful in relieving nerve pain associated with back pain
• Other herbal remedies have properties for specific relief of symptoms
  

Cons:

• Herbal remedies are not as fast acting as prescription drugs, and you usually need to stay on a long-term program to get results
• Herbal remedies must be prescribed and supplied by a licensed practitioner for a number of reasons.
• "Natural" and "Herbal" do not necessarily mean "safe", and buying a herbal remedy from just anywhere can be dangerous - you don't really know what you're getting
• Always tell your health care provider ALL of the medications, vitamins and herbs that you are using as there can be interactions with prescription medications and herbal remedies or supplement

Machines and Devices

There are so many machines and devices said to cure back pain that we can't go into them individually. These include electrical stimulation units that you put on the area of pain, ab and back trainer machines and back supports.

Pros:

• Trying a different approach to solving your back pain using one of these devices shows that you are committed to finding a solution and are actively seeking relief.

Cons:

• Most of the "quick-fix" machines and devices are no more effective than a placebo
• Many machines increase your pain and imbalance due to improper use
• A machine cannot fix your back, you are the solution to your back pain
• Your back program must include awareness of your internal environment, education and exercise in order to be effective, and a machine or device takes you outside your body rather than inside

Massage

Massage Therapy utilizes a variety of hands-on techniques to identify and release areas of soft tissue and muscular restrictions.

Pros:

• Massage can relieve muscle tension by increasing blood flow.
• Massage also promotes relaxation, increases elasticity of the tissues and brings awareness to the body through touch.
• A skilled massage therapist can detect areas of restriction and help to reduce the affects of these restrictions
• There is evidence that massage is effective in the treatment of low back pain

Cons:

• Massage should not be done where there is an open skin infection, unhealed fracture, deep vein thrombosis or severe osteoporosis
• When not followed up with correct exercise and postural balancing techniques, the effects of massage are temporary.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy integrates the use of hands-on techniques, exercise and other modalities to evaluate and treat pain and injuries.

Pros:

• Studies conclude that exercise is the most effective treatment for low back pain
• The right exercise promotes healthy tissues, a stronger support system for your back and a feeling of well-being
• A good physical therapy program addresses your activity and exercise requirements, gives you an individual home program and corrects the muscle and alignment imbalances that are the root cause of your back pain

Cons:

• Most physical therapists are limited by insurance, time and cost constraints and are not always in a position to provide you with a unique program specific to your individual needs
• Insurance coverage may run out before you have reached full functional recovery
• Most physical therapy clinics employ less qualified PT aids and assistants to supervise your sessions and you may inadvertently be practicing movement and exercise patterns that are dysfunctional and are actually contributing to your pain cycle

Prescription and Over the Counter Medications

Since there is such a wide variety of medications available for back pain, we have placed all of that information into a separate article available here.

Surgery

Surgical interventions vary, depending on the condition. Some back surgeries are relatively non-invasive, requiring little recovery time. Other surgeries are highly invasive and require many months for rehabilitation and recovery.

Pros:

• Surgery can reduce pain, stabilize the spine when necessary and allow you to be able to participate more actively in a complete rehabilitation program
• Surgery may shorten the time it takes you to resume your activities and work demands.

Cons:

• There are inherent risks with any surgery, which are well known
• It is now estimated that the failure rate of back surgery is >50%
• Recovery time can be prolonged and some people have more pain after surgery than they did before