Alternative treatments for back pain

Back pain is a condition that affects a large part of the population and, in many cases, can be a disabling pain that interferes with the performance of daily activities. Therefore, it is important to follow certain guidelines to prevent its appearance and, in cases where it appears, to treat it appropriately.

What is back pain and why does it occur?

Back pain is a very common condition that affects a large percentage of the population. Although its causes can be varied, in most cases it is related to problems in the muscles or nervous system of the back. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to intense and constant pain, depending on the root of the problem.

There are two main types of pain: mechanical pain and inflammatory back pain. Mechanical pain is related to sudden movements, trauma or poor posture. In this case, the pain is more intense when moving and disappears at rest. In second place is inflammatory pain, which is related to rheumatic or autoimmune diseases, and its treatment is more complicated.

The causes of back pain vary depending on where the pain occurs. In many cases, pain is caused by a rheumatic disease. In other cases, it is the result of a dysfunction of the nervous system, i.e., compression or irritation of a nerve is what causes the pain.

There are also situations where pain is caused by specific injuries, for example, sprains, bone fractures, fractures or hernias.

When should you worry about back pain?

Back pain is a common condition that often resolves on its own with rest or changes in routine. However, in certain cases, back pain can be a sign of a more serious problem that requires medical attention. It is important to see a doctor if the pain is severe, if it persists or does not improve after several weeks of conservative treatment, if it radiates to the legs, or if it is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. In addition, it is recommended to seek medical attention if the pain occurs with fever, unexplained weight loss, loss of bladder control, or if it has occurred after an accident or fall.

What are the risk factors for spinal pain?

As with most pathologies, there are various factors that can make the patient more prone to back pain. One of the most relevant factors for this condition is age. With aging, cartilage and joints wear down, which increases the likelihood of the appearance of degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which are a common cause of back pain.

Another risk factor is high body weight, since in these cases the muscles and bones of the back will have to withstand greater pressure, and there will be a greater risk of suffering from a herniated disc.

On the other hand, emotional and psychological stress can directly affect the back, especially the cervical area. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle is also a triggering factor for back pain, since the lack of physical activity contributes to a weakening of the muscles that support the spine, which makes injuries or pain due to poor posture easier.

Finally, tobacco can be mentioned as one of the risk factors for back pain, since smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, preventing the tissues from staying well oxygenated and healthy.

How is back pain diagnosed?

For a correct diagnosis of back pain, it is essential to consult a professional specializing in traumatology when symptoms appear. First, a physical examination will be performed, which will allow abnormalities to be detected and the relevant diagnostic tests to be performed.

In many cases, a complete blood count of the patient is performed, which can provide clues to alterations. Regarding diagnostic tests, the most common are x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow alterations in the back to be observed with greater precision.

Treatments for back pain

Once the necessary diagnostic tests have been carried out, the specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the causes of the pain.

Firstly, treatment based on analgesics and anti-inflammatories can be prescribed, with the aim of reducing inflammation and relieving pain. In addition, one of the most common treatments today is transcutaneous electrical stimulation, which aims to prevent the activation of nerve cells that transmit the sensation of pain to the brain.

If previous treatments have not worked, especially in cases where there is nerve compression or significant structural damage, surgery is often used.

Alternative treatments for spinal pain

In the case of back pain, there are alternative treatments that can offer good results and improve the patient's quality of life, allowing them to carry out their daily activities. Rehabilitation is of great importance, since it strengthens the muscles, which allows injuries to be avoided in many cases.

The most common treatment is physiotherapy, since through manual therapies it can relax the muscles and significantly relieve pain. Therapies such as chiropractic or acupuncture, through spinal manipulation, are also common for the treatment of back pain.

As explained, back pain is sometimes related to emotional stress. Therefore, meditation and hypnosis can significantly relieve back pain.

One of the newest treatments for back pain is biofeedback. In this case, biorhythms are controlled using sensors, being able to modify them and relieving pain.

How to prevent back pain

In many cases, back pain can be prevented by adopting certain healthy lifestyle habits. Some key recommendations to avoid its occurrence include:

• Maintain a balanced diet
• Controlling body weight
• Strengthen the abdominal muscles
• Exercising the strength and elasticity of the back
• Pay attention to posture
• Avoid sudden movements that may cause injuries.

Discipline to prevent back pain

There are certain disciplines that can help prevent and treat back pain, as they help strengthen the muscles and provide stability to the spine. Among the most recommended disciplines are yoga, pilates and swimming. These practices can not only relieve pain, but can also offer positive results both in the short and long term for back health. Incorporating some of these disciplines into your daily routine can be key to maintaining a healthy back and preventing discomfort.

As explained, in many cases back pain can be prevented by following certain healthy habits. For a correct diagnosis and treatment, it is important to go to a professional who will perform the relevant tests to apply the most appropriate treatment for each patient.