If you have back pain, you can choose from many treatment options, including alternative treatments. Your doctor may even suggest treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine or massage as part of your treatment plan.
These options are called “alternative” because they are an alternative to “traditional” medicine, which usually includes medication, injections and surgery.
Why back pain?
Back pain often occurs without a cause that your doctor can identify with an examination or imaging study. Some of the conditions frequently associated with back pain include the following:
- Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or sudden bad movements can strain the back muscles and ligaments of the spine. If your physical condition is not good, constant back strain can cause painful muscle spasms.
- Bulging or ruptured disc. Discs function as shock absorbers between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. The soft material inside the disc can bulge or rupture and put pressure on a nerve. However, you can have bulging or ruptured discs without feeling back pain. Disc disease is usually discovered accidentally when you have an X-ray of your spine for some other reason.
- Arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the lumbar back. In some cases, arthritis of the spine can reduce the space surrounding the spinal cord, a condition called “spinal stenosis.”
- Osteoporosis. The vertebrae of the spine may be exposed to painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
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Acupressure or acupuncture for back pain
These alternative treatments were developed in China. Practitioners maintain that people have an energy force called “Chi” (can also be spelled “Qi“, although both forms are pronounced “chi”).
When this force is blocked, the person may suffer from physical ailments, such as back pain. Therefore, the body’s chi channels, which practitioners call “meridians,” must be released. Acupuncture and acupressure help to restore the healthy and energetic flow of Chi.
Acupuncture uses very thin needles that practitioners insert into precise points on the body’s meridians (the exact location is determined by the symptoms).
These needles, which contain no medication, are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes. According to research, the needles cause the body to release certain neurochemicals, such as endorphins, which aid in the healing process.
Acupressure works on the same principles as acupuncture, except practitioners use their thumbs, fingers and elbows on specific chi points.
In short, acupuncture stimulates our nerves, improves blood circulation and chemical production, thus relieving back pain.
Other methods to relieve back pain
A common myth about back pain is that you need to rest and avoid activity for an extended period of time. In fact, doctors do NOT recommend bed rest. If you do not have any signs of a serious cause for your back pain, (such as loss of bowel control, weakness, weight loss, or fever) stay as active as possible.
Here are some tips on how to manage back pain and activity:
- Discontinue normal physical activity for the first few days only. This helps calm symptoms and reduce any swelling (inflammation) in the painful area.
- Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then use heat.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Sleep in a curled-up or fetal position with a pillow between your legs. If you usually sleep on your back, place a pillow or rolled towel under your knees to relieve pressure.
- DO NOT perform activities that involve heavy lifting or twisting of the back for the first 6 weeks after the onset of pain.
- DO NOT exercise in the days immediately following the onset of pain. After 2 to 3 weeks, slowly begin exercising again. A physical therapist can teach you which exercises are right for you.
Besides, you should exercise reasonably to naturally reduce back pain.
Through exercise you can:
- Improve your posture
- Strengthen your back and abdomen and improve flexibility.
- Lose weight
- Avoid falls
A complete exercise program should include aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bike. It should also include stretching and strength training. Follow your doctor’s or physical therapist’s instructions.
