One of the most common physical complaints is back and neck pain. There are two types of it: acute pain which serves as a temporary warning and chronic pain that usually lasts for prolonged periods of time.
It is divided into upper and lower subdivisions. Upper back pain occurs due to herniated or degenerated disc, joint dysfunction, muscular irritation or nerve pain. Lower back pain which is a little more common is due to neuropathic pain, herniated lumbar disc, degenerative joint disease or strains in the musculoskeletal system.
Pain management clinics focus on each type so as to give you the best treatment plan. Some home remedies include stopping normal physical activities for a few days in order to reduce inflammation and symptoms. You can also apply ice or heat to the affected area. Over-the-counter drugs are sometimes used. Acute pain may disappear after a few days whereas chronic conditions require longer treatment periods.
A trained specialist can improve function and offer pain relief through spinal manipulation. They reduce muscle tension, improve the flow of blood, increase flexibility and reduce pressure on the sensitive body structures.
Massage therapy also proves to be very effective to deal with back pain. It improves the circulation of blood while relaxing the body muscles improving the range of motion. Therapeutic massage have been known to increase endorphin levels which help reduce pain and improve your mood. Neuromuscular therapy is good at dealing with soft tissue injuries that cause the condition.
Acupuncture is broadly accepted as a non-traditional method of treatment for both neck and back problems. This method relies on the premise that the body contains energy flows patterns and pain is a result of their disruption. The needles used are safe and do not remove body tissue as in the case of hypodermic needles. Very thin metallic needles are inserted in the body to allow the flow of vital energy. Acupuncture releases the body’s natural painkillers such as opioid peptides and endorphins. It also alters the secretion of neurohormones and neurotransmitters which reduce pain.
Epidural injections that are normally administered into the spine reduce inflammation in the affected area and offer pain relief. Trigger point injections are used on muscles that constantly spasm becoming tender and painful. More spasms are triggered by pain developing a cycle. These injections break the cycle and eliminate back pain. Electrical devices such as TENS units are used to interfere with pain transmission signals delivered to the back. A physiatrist may also develop back exercise programs that would include stretching and strengthening.