Back Pain Treatment

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Articles researched and written by Sally Ann Quirke, a fully qualified professional chartered Physiotherapist based in Ireland.

Treatment and Management of Back Pain

A wide spectrum of back pain treatment is available - and different treatments are appropriate depending on the cause of your back pain and how long it has been present.

When the appropriate treatment is used, most people report that their back pain improves - and often disappears within a few weeks. While many instances of back pain require early intervention by a doctor or other healthcare specialist, I have found that you can assist the speedy resolution of your back pain by using some basic home-care techniques as outlined below.

Staying active

From the beginning - if you have recent (often referred to as acute) back pain –stay active, and avoid stationary positions. For this type of back pain it is important to remember that staying active is more effective than bed rest. Although your pain may make bed rest attractive at the time, evidence shows that it can lead to future problems such as joint stiffness and muscle pain.

Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Neurofen (or generic Ibuprofen), which is available over the counter at your local pharmacy/drugstore. Always seek and follow your pharmacist’s advice on the most appropriate use of this medication.

Understanding your Back Pain

Understand your condition from the outset. People who understand their back pain symptoms respond to treatment and future prevention better. The information on this website can help you with this. However, if you are unsure and have questions about the cause of your back pain or how to manage it, be sure to ask your physiotherapist or orthopaedic general practitioner.

If, despite understanding your back pain and complying with the advice above, your pain has lasted more than two months - I suggest that you would benefit from intensive hands-on treatment.

Physiotherapists who combine stability back strengthening exercises, such as Pilates, with gentle mobilisation, corrective techniques and education, will help improve your function and relieve your back pain. This is the approach that I take with my clients.

Regardless of the severity of your back pain, back surgery is rarely needed. Even a herniated disc or nerve damage is likely to improve with appropriate mobilisation and exercise therapy.

My heartfelt advice is that you exhaust all options before you choose surgical intervention.

The successful resolution of back pain involves immediate treatment as described above, but also an understanding of the cause of your pain. This of great importance in reducing the likelihood of the pain returning. To avoid further episodes keep your back and stomach muscles strong using Pilates exercises. Apply the posture correction techniques you have learnt and avoid physically and emotionally stressful situations which you know will aggravate your pain.

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