Back pain is all too common, and it can be quite debilitating. Back pain can affect your ability to not only walk but to sit and lie down as well. It can be difficult to ignore and lead to self-medication through alcohol and prescription drugs, among other things. Therefore, it must be taken seriously. But understandably, not everyone wants to treat their back pain through surgery, and for that matter, back surgery isn't always a treatment option for specific types of back pain.

Surgery is financially intense and sometimes physically risky. While it's important for you to speak to a pain specialist about your options and the source of your pain, you may want to go into your initial meeting with some ideas in mind. Let's look into some of the options you may want to consider for back pain relief.

1. Physical Therapy

Perhaps one of the most effective options for back pain, often recommended by a pain specialist, is physical therapy. Physical therapy is typically done under the supervision of a physical therapist and will involve working the muscles and body parts that are causing you pain. Often, back pain can be related to physical weakness or strain. A physical therapist can help you confront these problems and strengthen your back. Additionally, according to AJMC, physical therapy can potentially lower your patient cost up to 75%, compared to surgery.

2. Back Braces

At times, what you really need for your back pain is support. You may want to speak to your pain specialist about back braces. A back brace would be worn while you are sitting or standing, and would essentially support your back. Your back wouldn't be able to move or slump in the ways that cause you pain, and your muscle weakness would be supplemented through the brace.

3. Steroid Injections

At times, a pain specialist may recommend that their patients utilize epidural steroid injections to fight back pain. A steroid would be injected directly into the dural sac, surrounding the spinal cord. The goal of the injection would be to reduce inflammation around a compressed nerve root.

4. Massage

At times, a massage could be a great temporary relief for back pain. If you find relief through back massages, keep in mind that you would have to continue your massages on a regular basis for effectiveness.

Don't forget to take matters into your own hands. It's best to talk with your pain specialist so you know the best course of action. Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists today!