16 Study-Backed Lower Back Pain Treatments

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Low back pain is a common cause of doctor visits. According to the Health Policy Institute, about 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain. The lower back is the most common location.

In addition to physically affecting someone, chronic back pain can impact mood, employment, and overall quality of life. It can also have a significant financial effect.

This 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis involved nine studies. Researchers discovered a link between low back pain and high rates of hospitalization. It also leads to increased costs for individuals and the healthcare system.

Fortunately, low back pain treatment is available that may reduce discomfort and improve mobility and functioning. Various types of treatment are available. This includes self-care remedies, holistic treatment for lower back pain, and conventional medical treatment. The article below provides various treatments proven to relieve back pain.

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional options may include lower back pain home treatment and medical interventions. The most effective treatment for lower back pain may vary depending on the cause, severity, and associated symptoms.

Possible lower back pain treatment includes:

Medications

Medications may provide low back pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, may relieve pain.

Doctors may recommend prescription pain medications if OTC pain relievers are not effective. Prescription pain medication may include narcotic or opioid medications. Patients should only take narcotic pain medication under the direction of a physician. These types of drugs can have adverse side effects, including dependency.

Muscle relaxants, typically only available by prescription, may also be helpful if symptoms, such as muscle spasms, develop.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy may be beneficial in decreasing disability, improving flexibility, and helping maintain proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of future injury.

An article published in Pain and Therapy found that active strategies like exercise may help improve functioning. Rest and other passive methods frequently worsen symptoms.

Working with a physical therapist may include:

• Exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles
• Stretching
• Posture correction

Injections

Injections can be beneficial in decreasing pain and reducing inflammation from arthritis and other causes of low back pain.

Examples of injections include:

• Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections contain medication to reduce inflammation, which may help reduce pain and compression of the sciatic nerve.
• Epidural injections: Epidural injections are administered into the epidural space in the spine to reduce pain.

Surgery

Surgery for low back pain is usually only recommended when other less invasive treatments have not helped. When surgery is indicated, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends candidates for surgery may present with any of the following situations:

• Have back or leg pain that limits regular activity
• Progressive neurological issues such as leg weakness
• Loss of normal bowel and bladder functions
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Medication and physical therapy are ineffective at treating pain

Different surgical procedures may be an option depending on the cause of low back pain. Back surgery options include:

• Discectomy: This procedure may be recommended to treat a herniated disc. It involves removing the damaged part of the disc.
• Laminectomy: This surgery removes part of the spinal bone to release nerve pressure.
• Spinal fusion: This procedure surgically removes arthritic joints in the spine. It may involve using metal implants to connect the bones in the lower back.
• Artificial disc surgery: This surgery involves removing and replacing damaged discs with artificial ones. These discs are usually made from metal and plastic.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Other alternative and complementary therapies for lower back pain may also vary. These methods are great additions to conventional medical treatment or as an alternative.

TENS therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, may be an option to treat lower back pain. A TENS unit delivers electrical impulses to the painful area of the body. This interferes with how your body perceives pain signals.

To use a TENS unit, place the pads on either side of the painful area about 1 inch apart before turning the machine on.

The advantages of using a TENS unit for lower back pain include:

• Used alone or with additional types of treatment, such as pain medication
• Non-invasive option
• Small, portable, and easy to use

A TENS unit for lower back pain is generally considered safe. Risks and side effects are minimal but may include:

• An uncomfortable sensation, such as a tingling feeling
• An allergic reaction to the adhesive
• Burns from the electrodes, which is rare

Red light therapy

Red light therapy involves exposing the painful part of the body to a specific wavelength of red light. In this case, an individual would direct the red light towards their lower back. The light decreases inflammation and increases blood circulation, which may reduce low back pain.

Various studies indicate that red light therapy is beneficial for lower back pain. A study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy showed that red light therapy can help lower back pain. The review included 221 studies involving individuals with chronic lower back pain.

Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy may also be beneficial in treating lower back pain. Hot therapy may increase blood flow to the area, easing muscle tension, decreasing spasms, and promoting healing.

and may decrease inflammation. Consider using ice for acute pain. For chronic pain, try heat or alternating cold and hot therapy.

Bracing and Kinesiology Taping

Back braces may be beneficial for people with lower back pain. This is especially true when they are engaging in activities such as weight training or lifting heavy objects. Braces help provide additional support to the spine and may reduce the risk of future injuries.

It is best to consult with your doctor before choosing a back brace. Your doctor's evaluation may help determine which type of braces are most beneficial for your situation.

Types of back braces include:

• Flexible elastic braces: These braces provide lower back support and stabilization. They also protect activity and may help support weakened joints.
• Semi-rigid and rigid back braces: These types of braces may help people with more severe muscle sprains and strains of the lumbar region. They provide stabilization to the lower back after surgery.
• Kinesiology taping: If you're considering how to relieve lower back pain naturally, kinesiology tape may be another option. Kinesiology tape involves applying tape to the skin over the painful area. The tape may decrease pain, reduce fluid buildup, and promote correct movement.

Pain relief gels

Pain relief gels may be effective for mild lower back pain, especially those caused by muscle strain. Topical gels may help numb the area, reduce inflammation, and block pain signals. Effective ingredients in a pain relief gel include:

• Lidocaine
• Menthol
• Capsaicin
• Methyl salicylate

Massage therapy

Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Some studies indicate massage helps treat low back pain.

For instance, a study published in Pain Medicine involved 104 participants with low back pain. The individuals received ten massages over 12 weeks. Researchers found that more than half of the participants had meaningful improvements in their lower back pain and disability.

Massage may have the following benefits when treating lower back pain:

• Reducing muscle spasms
• Decreasing muscle tension
• Promoting relaxation
• Increasing flexibility
• Providing stress relief

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific locations. Different theories exist about how acupuncture may help. For example, acupressure point stimulation may lead to the release of endorphins, which process how the brain recognizes pain. Acupuncture may also increase microcirculation, which can reduce inflammation.

There are different acupuncture techniques, such as inserting the needle and gently rotating it. Another technique is acupressure, which doesn't use needles but uses pressure on various pressure points.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care may involve various techniques to achieve spinal manipulation and adjustments to ease back pain.

Various studies show that chiropractic care can be helpful for lower back pain. For example, a study published in JAMA involved 750 US active-duty military personnel divided into two groups. One group received standardized medical care, including medication. A second group received the same medical and chiropractic care involving at least one session. After 6 weeks, the chiropractic care group showed a clear improvement in lower back pain and disability, better than those who only received medical care.

Chiropractic care can have the following potential benefits:

• Reduced pain
• Increased mobility
• Improved posture

It may also have some risks, such as minor aches, pains, and headaches, and occasionally a rare complication, such as a spine injury.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

Lower back pain holistic treatment may include home remedies and self-care, including the options listed below.

Rest

Rest is vital to allow the injured area to heal. While experts commonly don't recommend bed rest, reducing strenuous activity and activity that causes pain is usually beneficial.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

As discussed above, over-the-counter pain relievers may effectively reduce mild lower back pain. It's essential to follow the directions for dosing. Only take the medication as long as recommended by your physicist position.

Stretching and gentle exercise

Stretching and light exercise may be beneficial for preventing muscle stiffness and helping promote blood flow to the back.

Exercise and stretching may include the following:

• Walking
• Child's pose
• Spinal twist
• Lower back rotational stretch
• Knees to chest stretch
• Bridges

Ergonomic adjustments

Improving posture and maintaining correct alignment may ease lower back pain. Until maintaining good posture becomes a habit, it's essential to be intentional about it. For example, avoid slouching, rounding your shoulders, and keeping your core engaged when sitting and standing.

Consider the following tips:

• Establish your workstation to avoid placing additional stress on your lower back.
• Sit close to your workstation so your upper arms are parallel to your spine.
• Try to set up your keyboard so that your elbows are at a 90° angle when on your desk.
• Have your chair high enough so that when you look at your computer, your head is in a neutral position.
• Sit at your desk with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at a 90° angle.

Conclusion

Lower back treatment may vary based on the cause, severity, and other underlying medical conditions present. Typically, treatment starts with the least invasive and may include home remedies such as ice and heat, rest, exercise, and stretching. When people need medical care, they may receive physical therapy, medication, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Surgery is an option when these methods don't work.

Everyone's course with lower back pain is unique, and it's important for treatment to take a personalized approach. Not every treatment works for everyone. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for lower back pain.

The most crucial step is to consult with a health professional. They can determine the cause and most appropriate treatment options.

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