Low Back Pain
(Part 5)
Treatment
In general, treatment for low back pain falls into one of three categories: medications, physical medicine, and surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Medications. Several medications may be used to help relieve your pain.
∙ Acetaminophen can relieve pain with few side effects.
∙ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
reduce pain and swelling
∙ Steroids, taken either orally or injected into your spine, deliver a high dose of antiinflammatory medicine
∙ Muscle relaxers like methocarbamol, carisoprodol, and cyclobenzaprine are another type of oral medication that can help. However, they can make you drowsy. If you are taking muscle relaxers, do not drive or perform other tasks that require you to be alert.
Physical medicine. Low back pain can be disabling. Medications and therapeutic treatments
combined often provide enough pain relief to enable you to do all the things you want to do.
∙ Physical therapy can include passive modalities like heat, ice, massage, ultrasound, and
electrical stimulation. Active therapy consists of stretching, weightlifting, and cardiovascular
exercises. Exercising to restore motion and strength to the lower back can be very helpful in
relieving pain.
∙ Braces are often used. The most common is a corset-type brace that can be wrapped around the back and stomach. Braces are not always helpful, but some people report feeling more comfortable and stable while wearing them.
∙ Chiropractic or manipulation therapy is available in many different forms. Some patients are able to get relief from their low back pain with these treatments.
∙ Traction is often used, but there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
∙ Other exercise-based programs, such as Pilates or yoga, are helpful for some patients.