5 ways to treat back pains (pains in the back)

Millions of people suffer from chronic back pain around the world. It impacts every aspect of life by putting additional stress on the body, impeding restful sleep and limiting activities. When functioning through a veil of pain, the body makes minor adjustments to relieve discomfort, throwing the body out of alignment and creating mechanical problems in other parts of the body.

There are a number of pain management options available to back pain sufferers. Taken on its own, a single treatment protocol might offer little improvement, but a multi-pronged approach might make it possible to resume many, if not all, of your normal activities pain-free.

1. Orthotics: Managing body mechanics is big business and the shelves of pharmacies around the world are well stocked with devices to restore proper posture and movement. Standing and walking on hard surfaces transfers stress to the lower back and corrective insoles or heel cups offer cushioning and support from the ground up. By adjusting the distribution of weight on the soles of the feet, posture improves and relieves pressure on the lower back. Back braces are also excellent for the chronic back pain sufferer. They provide structural support that can protect the back from further inflammation and stress and should always be worn when lifting or participating in physical activities.

2. Pillows: Choosing the right pillow is just as important as choosing the right mattress. Pillows offer support that keeps the spine properly aligned and reduces stress on joints. A small cylindrical cervical pillow supports the neck and uses the weight of the head for natural traction. A small pillow between or under the knees provides support that reduces stress on the back and keeps the pelvis and low-back in proper alignment. When resting in a chair or recliner, pillows behind the lower or upper back and under the knees customize the dynamics of the furniture to better support the body.

3. Exercise: Many individuals discontinue exercise when experiencing back pain, but moderate exercise - particularly stretching and light strengthening movements - stimulates blood flow to muscle tissue and speeds healing. Controlled, routine exercise keeps the muscles strong, the spine in proper alignment and improves muscle and joint function.

4. Cold/heat/massage: Apply cold compresses for 10-minutes, wait 15 minutes and follow with heat for 10 minutes to reduce inflammation and pain from an injured or inflamed back. Cold compresses reduce swelling and inflammation while heat eases pain. This process may be repeated hourly as needed and is extremely effective when combined with anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Massage stimulates blood flow into inflamed tissue and is a convenient way to introduce topical anti-inflammatories such as balms, creams and oils.

5. Osteopath or Chiropractor: If chronic pain persists for more than 10-days or gets worse, seek the assistance of a professional. Chiropractors are schooled in skeletal mechanics and offer a number of adjustment and treatment options to relieve joint pressure and improve mobility. Osteopaths are medical doctors trained in skeletal mechanics, muscular and neural function. They are licensed to perform surgeries, although the osteopath's approach is typically gentle manipulation of nerves, muscles and joints to restore the body's mobility and function.