Other treatments for lower back pain depend on the cause. They include: Medications: Your provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs to relieve pain. Other medications relax muscles and prevent back spasms. Physical therapy (PT): PT can strengthen muscles so they can support your spine. PT also improves flexibility and helps you avoid another injury. Hands-on manipulation: Several “hands-on” treatments can relax tight muscles, reduce pain and improve posture and alignment. Depending on the cause of the pain, you may need osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments. Massage therapy can also help with back pain relief and restore function. Injections: Your provider uses a needle to inject medication into the area that’s causing pain. Steroid injections relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Surgery: Some injuries and conditions need surgical repair. There are several types of surgery for low back pain, including many minimally invasive techniques. Can I prevent lower back pain? You can’t prevent the lower back pain that results from disease or structural problems in the spine. But you can avoid injuries that cause back pain. To reduce your risk of a back injury, you should: Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on vertebrae and disks. Strengthen your abdominal muscles: Pilates and other exercise programs strengthen core muscles that support the spine.
Lift the right way: To avoid injuries, lift with your legs (not your back). Hold heavy items close to your body. Try not to twist your torso while you’re lifting. What is the outlook for people with lower back pain? The outlook depends on the cause of the pain. Most people with back strains and sprains recover and do not have long-term health issues. But many people will have another episode within a year. Some people have chronic back pain that doesn’t get better after several weeks. Older people with degenerative conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis may have symptoms that get worse over time. Surgery and other treatments are effective at helping people with a range of injuries and conditions live pain-free. When should I see my healthcare provider about lower back pain? Lower back pain usually gets better with rest and pain relievers. Back pain that doesn’t go away may be a sign of a more serious condition. See your provider if you have: Pain that doesn’t get better after about a week of at-home care. Tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your buttocks or legs. Severe pain or muscle spasms that interfere with your normal activities. Fever, weight loss, bowel or bladder problems, or other unexplained symptoms.
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