What is the cure for back pain

Written By The HealthMeth Team - Updated On Saturday, March 13, 2021 6:00 PM

An overview of back pain

Back pain is defined as a feeling of pain, pain, tension, or disruption that affects the bones or muscles of the back, as the back extends from the base of the neck to the thighs. [1] In fact, back pain is considered a very common condition, and often The feeling of pain improves within a few weeks or months, and although back pain can be felt anywhere along the spine from the neck to the thighs, lower back pain (Lumbago) in particular is most common among back pain, [2]It should be noted that back pain can be divided into two types: acute back pain , which is the type that begins suddenly and lasts for up to six weeks, and chronic back pain , which is the type that occurs and develops during a period A long time, and it lasts for more than three months, in addition to causing many problems continuously. [3]


Back pain treatment

The feeling of back pain can disappear and improve with just a rest, but the use of some medical treatments may be necessary in some cases to relieve pain. [3] It is worth noting that the most common aspect of back pain treatment is that the symptoms of back pain are usually It takes a long period of time to improve. [4]


pharmaceutical

The doctor depends in choosing the method of treatment of back pain and mitigate the symptoms associated with pain, and the length of time it takes the problem, therapeutically system physician may attend include the use of one type or more of the drugs, [4] as if there are medications palliative pain that help alleviate the pain And muscle relaxants that help relax tight muscles, in addition to medicines that reduce inflammation and relieve pain, which are used in the event that the cause of back pain is arthritis , and therefore it can be said that choosing the type of medicine depends on the cause of back pain . [5]


pain killers

Analgesics are used to reduce pain when suffering from pain in the back or neck , some of which do not require a prescription, and others are prescribed by a doctor, and these drugs can be explained as follows: [6]


Painkillers available without a prescription

Over-the-counter analgesics are most effective when used when the first sign of acute back pain appears, but attention should be paid to the need to follow the recommendations and precautions regarding the dosage used for these medicines, and the doctor or presenter should be consulted. health care in the absence of housing as required in response to pain, or increased pain worse, and some examples can be a statement of this type in the following: [6]

  • Non-prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs help treat back pain, as they are the first treatment option for most people with back pain, as they are considered mild analgesics, such as: ibuprofen , and naproxen , (7) ] in this context , it is worth knowing that a drug aspirin is classified NSAIDs available without prescription, since these drugs are used to alleviate the pain and inflammation, then so it is used in the treatment of muscle painArthritis, fever, inflammation, minor wounds, and other conditions, as aspirin is available in the form of tablets, capsules, suppositories, or gum, it is possible that aspirin is the only substance present in some types of these antibiotics, and it can be combined with others Among the different drugs in other types of these antibiotics, and despite the benefits of aspirin, it can cause a rare disease known as Reye syndrome, so it is not usually given to children, and you should consult a doctor before taking aspirin if it is Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, want to become pregnant , or have health problems. [8]
  • Acetaminophen: using acetaminophen in the treatment of simple cases to the middle of the back pain, it is also used in the treatment of mild cases to severe back pain in conjunction with the use of opiates , [9] as the sole purpose of this drug is Pain relief only, it does not reduce inflammation, and in fact acetaminophen is one of the most common medicines used to treat back and neck pain, it is the most widely used over-the- counter analgesic . [6]
  • Topical painkillers: Know topical analgesic as creams or ointments can be painted on the skin in the position of pain, [10] as it is usually used these painkillers in patients who are unable to take oral medications, can also be used creams or plasters analgesic for pain When you feel pain in a specific area. [11]


Prescription painkillers

Prescription analgesics are used when over-the-counter analgesics are unable to control the pain adequately, or when pain or other symptoms worsen, as these conditions require a visit to a doctor or health care provider to help control the pain, or For the need for additional medical care. [6]

  • Prescription NSAIDs: There are some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that need a prescription to use, such as: Celecoxib, Diclofenac, and Indometacin, as these drugs are usually recommended for treating rheumatic diseases. , Such as: Rheumatoid arthritis, and moderate to severe cases of osteoarthritis, and they are also described for moderate-painful musculoskeletal conditions, such as: back pain. [12]
  • Narcotic drugs: Narcotics are safe to use and have high efficacy when used properly and under the supervision of a doctor, as these drugs may be considered the appropriate option to help reduce moderate to severe back or neck pain , as they may be prescribed after undergoing For spinal surgery for a short period of time, in addition to the presence of various cases in which the use of narcotic drugs is appropriate. [6] It is worth noting that narcotic drugs act as an anesthetic for the central nervous system with the aim of relieving pain, [13] and it should be noted that the use of these drugs Medicines may cause constipationIn some people, when this happens, it is advised to increase drinking fluids, eat foods rich in fiber, increase exercise, or use laxatives, as it may cause nausea or vomiting, and it is advised to take these medicines with food when this occurs, in addition to the presence of other medicines It can help relieve nausea and constipation. [14]


Muscle relaxants

The doctor prescribes a muscle relaxant in addition to painkillers, if over-the-counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not help in relieving back pain, and examples of these drugs are: cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, And tizanidine and carisoprodol , muscle relaxants are especially useful for acute injuries, [7] it should be noted that muscle relaxants reduce pain and discomfort by affecting the muscles, so that they become less severe and stiff, by working by mechanisms. And in several ways, except that these medicines cause drowsiness, so care and caution should be taken not to use them, such as not using machines, avoiding driving a car, in addition to quitting alcohol . [15]


Epidural injection

Medicines can be injected into the area around the spinal cord, known as the epidural space, with the aim of relieving pain and inflammation in the spine or extremities. It is worth noting that steroids, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually injected into the epidural area, as this injection reduces pain and swelling. It is located in the roots of the spinal nerves and around them, as well as around the damaged nerves, which may heal over time. Cortisone may also be injected into the epidural area if other treatments do not help relieve pain Or, if the pain spreads towards the legs downward, as cortisone helps reduce the inflammation around the nerve roots, and the effect of cortisone continues to reduce pain for less than a few months, usually. [16] [10]


It is worth noting that the doctor may resort to using directed imaging, such as: computed tomography scan, or fluoroscopy, in which x-rays are used to produce several images, in order to help determine the exact and correct position for insertion The needle, targeting the special area causing the pain to get the most benefit from the injection. [16]


Vital medicines

Biopharmaceuticals are used in the treatment of back pain if arthritis is the cause of the pain, [17] and a doctor may prescribe vital medicines if conventional NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are not effective in treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as: rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis Al-Qusti , [18]As what happens in these diseases is that the immune system attacks normal tissues by mistake, which leads to high levels of a natural substance known as cytokine in the body, which causes joint inflammation and pain, and when using vital drugs in These conditions stop the action of the cytokine very effectively, and thus suppress the functioning of the immune system, and this in turn reduces inflammation, pain, and damage to the joint, and although vital medicines are designed to reduce inflammation and stop the joint from being damaged, it puts the person at risk. Infection because it suppresses the immune system, in addition to the risk of exposure to injection site reactions or infusion, as vital medicines are given by injection or infusion, and it should be noted that there are four types of vital medicines, namely:B-cell inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, and Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors), as well as types IV, known as Selective Co-stimulation Modulators, as any of them are chosen according to the type of inflammation, because each type is specific to a type of inflammation .[19] [20]


Antidepressants

It should be noted that it appears that the chemical reactions occurring in nerve cells that stimulate the feeling of depression are the same reactions that control the pathways of pain in the brain, and therefore some antidepressants may reduce the feeling of pain. Because it is likely to affect these chemical reactions occurring in nerve cells, and therefore it can be said that antidepressants can relieve feelings of tensionThat leads to symptoms of back pain, as back pain is one of the common symptoms of depression, and it can also be a sign of its presence, and it is worth noting that some antidepressants may improve sleep, so the doctor may prescribe some of these antibiotics if it is Sleep disturbance caused by suffering from back pain, as these antidepressants help to restore normal sleep, but antidepressants cause many side effects, such as: drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite , and fatigue. [13]


Surgery

Surgical always effective operations are not considered in the treatment of many common back pain types, as are most people successfully treated by taking a break, exercise aerobic exercise , and the use of drugs, and resort to surgical procedure in cases where back pain is constant, as well as To cases in which nerve pressure occurs that can lead to muscle weakness, and it is difficult to know whether surgeries help solve the problem of back pain or not, so you should see an orthopedic specialist to help determine the need for back surgery. One opinion is satisfied, but more than one opinion is taken before deciding on the surgery. [21] [22]


Cases that require surgery

A tumor, infection, or problem in the nerve roots, such as Cauda equina syndrome, can cause back pain, but this is rare, and in this case surgery is recommended to immediately relieve the pain. And avoid further problems, and surgeries are recommended to treat back pain in the following cases: [23]

  • Degenerative disc disease, or damage to the discs of the spine with age.
  • Suffering from a herniated disc, as one or more of the discs that provide the bones of the spine with the necessary support are damaged and damaged.
  • Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spine, which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Spondylolisthesis, in which one or more of the vertebrae slips out of place.
  • Spinal fractures caused by injuries to the bones of the spine or suffering from osteoporosis .


Types of surgeries for back pain

The types of surgeries used in treating back pain can be mentioned as follows:

  • Heal paragraph and heal the Hump: resort to action to heal the process of paragraph and heal Hump for the treatment and restoration of compression fractures occurring in the spine as a result of suffering from osteoporosis, [23] as it is to heal the process of paragraph introduction of bone cement to the spine with the aim of relieving pain or stabilizing the fractured vertebra, but in the process of tuberoplasty, a high-pressure balloon is used inside the spine with the aim of creating a space that allows the bone cement to be inserted, or trying to restore or increase the length of the spine to a normal position or something. Almost normal at times. [24]
  • Decompression surgery and laminectomy: This procedure is performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots caused by changes in the spine associated with aging, and it is also performed to treat some conditions, such as: herniated disc, tumorsAnd spinal wounds, as reducing pressure on nerve roots can relieve pain and allow a person to regain his ability to perform his daily activities, as it is the most common type of surgeries to treat spinal stenosis occurring in the lumbar region of the spine, and in fact it is considered a resort To surgery in the treatment of spinal stenosis is optional, but it is recommended to perform this operation in the event that the symptoms do not improve using non-surgical treatments, and in general the researchers believe that this operation has good results, and it reduces pain in the lower extremities of patients who suffer from symptoms of stenosis Severe spinal cord, and those with serious health problems. [25]
  • Discectomy: Discectomy is performed with the aim of reducing pain and restoring the normal ability to move, in which a slipped disc in the lower back that causes pressure on nerve roots or the spinal cord is removed , and this operation is usually performed using a microscope Or a special microscope to view the disc and nerves, which allows the surgeon to make small incisions, which reduces the damage to the surrounding tissue, and it should be noted that part of the affected vertebral bone is removed before performing a discectomy through a process known as laminectomy ), As this procedure allows the doctor to have a better view of the slipped disc, and it can be said that one of the advantages of this process is faster pain relief than non-surgical treatments. [26]
  • A few foramen: a few foramen process to expand the hole out of which the nerve roots of the spinal canal, as that process reduces the pain by removing the pressure on emerging nerves of the spine, may cause narrowing of the hole out of which the nerve Pain occurs, and this operation can be performed in any part of the spine. [27]
  • Cervical cartilage suction : plasma disk decompression: In this process, a needle is inserted into the affected disc in the spine, and then it is provided with a heated laser device, as this device creates a medium that reduces the size of the disc by reducing the size of the tissue that forms it, thus reducing From pressure on nerves, in fact, this procedure is classified as a laser surgery in which radio waves are used to treat lower back pain associated with a simple herniated disc. [23]
  • Spinal fusion : The process of spinal fusion is performed to connect two or more vertebrae of the spine, by adding a piece of bone in the space between the two vertebrae, as this helps prevent exaggerated movements between the two adjacent vertebrae, and reduce The risk of further pressure or irritation to the adjacent nerves, in addition to reducing pain and associated symptoms, [28] and it is worth noting that spinal fusion is performed if non-surgical treatments fail to control pain, and the possible neurological symptoms associated with end-stage injury Arthritis in the spine, as eliminating movement in the affected area through a surgical fusion procedure can be considered very effective in relieving symptoms. [29]
  • Replacement of the disc by an artificial one: the normal disc is replaced by an artificial one between two vertebrae of the spine, [3] as this operation is performed in patients with degenerative disc disease in only one disc, as the speed of healing after the operation is faster compared to the process of spinal fusion, as well as This operation maintains the ability to move at the level of the affected disc, and in this context it should be known that the vertebral fusion process was the main operation used in the treatment of painful degenerative disc disease when non-surgical treatments failed to treat this disease, before the development of this replacement process. General It is not recommended to undergo an artificial disc replacement surgery in patients who suffer from spinal fractures, instability, or nervous compression, or those with degenerative disc disease in multiple discs, as vertebral fusion is the appropriate treatment option in these cases. [30]


natural therapy

The physical therapy procedure for the back helps to relieve pain and symptoms through the use of manual treatment techniques and methods, in addition to its importance in teaching the individual how to perform stretching and strengthening exercises, as physical therapy strengthens the back muscles, which helps relieve pain and restore mobility, as a recent study showed that Doing exercises designed to strengthen the back muscles may be good and beneficial even if the person does not suffer from back pain, and among the benefits of physical therapy also is that the physical therapist shows the patient how to perform the appropriate positions and techniques for sleeping, carrying things, and helping him learn how to take care of the health of the back in general to avoid The occurrence of back pain and get rid of it if it occurs, and it should be noted that the exercise of strengthening exercises for the back helps to protect elderly women from possible fractures in the vertebrae of the spine. [31] [32]


Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps many people deal with chronic pain, as it is a form of psychotherapy, as it involves meeting the therapist from 10 to 20 times in which the person’s thoughts are focused on, and this is known as the cognitive aspect of treatment. The behavioral aspect is where the focus is on the actions and behaviors of the person, as the therapist helps the patient to know the negative feelings and thoughts that he experiences when feeling back pain in the beginning, and then guides him to how to convert these thoughts and behaviors into useful and beneficial thoughts and behaviors, as the change of thoughts from negative to positive Helps control pain, and thus the therapist helps the patient to identify and avoid negative thoughts, train to use positive thoughts and develop sound and correct thinking, all through conducting cognitive behavioral therapy.CBT also helps teach the patient how to increase their activity, as regular low-impact activities such as swimming and walking help reduce and prevent back pain for a long period of time. [33]


Tips and advice to reduce back pain

Most cases of back pain do not require medical intervention, as it can be treated through the use of over-the-counter analgesics and the application of self-care, and there are some tips and instructions that can be followed to reduce the incidence of back pain, and some of them can be mentioned as follows: [34]

  • Keeping the movement: It was previously believed that relaxing in bed helps to get rid of back pain, but what is known today is that people who continue to move recover from back pain faster, so it is advised to continue moving and perform daily activities as much as possible. Difficult at first, but soon the pain begins to improve, and it is worth knowing that it is not necessary for the pain to completely go away until the person returns to work, as returning to work helps to restore normal activity, and it distracts the person from feeling pain. [35]
  • Doing exercises for the back and stretching: Doing exercises, such as swimming , walking, yoga and others on a regular basis, in conjunction with the practice of stretching exercises, helps to maintain the strength and health of the back, as simple exercises and stretching exercises usually help reduce back pain, and these exercises can be practiced At home as needed. [35]
  • Heat and cold therapy: Cold therapy is used to numb the nerves in the affected area, and distract the person from feeling pain, as applying a cold compress to the affected area reduces pain and swelling, but it is worth warning not to put the compress for a period of more than 15-20 minutes, in order to avoid the occurrence Damage to the skin, and it is advised to put a towel that separates the skin from the pad. In fact, it is recommended to use cold therapy within the first 24-48 hours of the start of feeling pain, as the use of ice for a long time causes stiffness. [32] As for heat treatment, surgeons recommend Orthopedic use in common pain cases that occur due to excessive movement and muscle injuries, as heat helps relax the back muscles and relieve tension, and it also relieves back stiffness and muscle spasmsThis helps relieve back pain, and it can be said that using heat compresses every few hours during the day until the pain and discomfort begins. [36]
  • Water therapy: The idea of ​​water therapy is based on exercising with water, as increasing the temperature and pressure of static water enhances the increase in blood circulation and elasticity in the body, thus reducing swelling, and among the advantages of this treatment is also relief from pain, strengthening weak muscles, and reducing Muscle spasms, increased range of motion of the joint. [37]
  • Massage therapy: Massaging the back muscles stimulates increased blood flow to the affected area, which helps to promote the healing process, and massage techniques such as acupressure increase levels of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain. It promotes a feeling of happiness and good health, as it reduces feelings of anxiety and pain, and other benefits of massage are that it reduces tension by stimulating the feeling of relaxation of muscles, which increases their flexibility and helps relieve associated pain. [38]
  • Reducing weight: Reducing weight and exercising is one of the amazing ways to prevent back pain, as strengthening the abdominal muscles and the muscles surrounding the spine helps to support the back and reduce pain. Reducing weight and exercising helps promote skeletal health and reduce pain. Back, [39] The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study on June 1, 2011, which showed that exercising for an hour or more during the week is associated with reducing the risk of suffering from chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders by more than 20% Compared to no exercise. [40]
  • Quitting smoking: Exposure to cigarette smoke for a long time causes the cessation of the function of cells known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are responsible for controlling feelings of anxiety and pain, and they have a major role in the central and peripheral nervous system, and it also changes the way we deal with Pain, and the flow of oxygen to the tissues is impaired, which makes the individual at risk of developing bone and joint disorders, such as: osteoporosis, in addition to suffering from inflammation and depression, and in fact smokers with health conditions in the spine are more likely to suffer from severe pain and disability for periods A long time, and attention must be paid to the need to abstain from smoking before or during treatment, as this is associated with a tangible and significant improvement in pain. [41]


References

  1. ↑ "Back pain" , www.hse.gov.uk , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  2. ↑ "Back pain" , www.nhs.uk , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  3. ^ A b v "What is causing this pain in my back?" , www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  4. ^ A b "Causes Of Back Pain Treatment And the Options" , Www.verywellhealth.com , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  5. ↑ "Back Pain" , orthop.washington.edu , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  6. ^ A b t w c "For Back Pain Analgesics And Neck Pain" , Www.spineuniverse.com , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  7. ^ A b "Medications For Back Pain Low" , the www.webmd.com , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  8. ↑ "Using Aspirin for Back Pain" , www.verywellhealth.com , Retrieved 19-2-2020. Edited.
  9. ↑ "Acetaminophen" , www.drugs.com , Retrieved 21-2-2020. Edited.
  10. ^ A b "Back Pain" , Www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved 21-2-2020. Edited.
  11. ↑ "A Guide to Topical Pain Medications" , www.everydayhealth.com , Retrieved 21-2-2020. Edited.
  12. ↑ "Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)" , my.clevelandclinic.org , Retrieved 21-2-2020. Edited.
  13. ^ A b "Medications For Back Pain" , Www.umms.org , Retrieved 21-2-2020. Edited.
  14. ↑ "Taking narcotics for back pain" , medlineplus.gov , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  15. ↑ "Muscle Relaxants" , patient.info , Retrieved 22-2-2020. Edited.
  16. ^ A b "Epidural Injections" , Www.radiologyinfo.org , Retrieved 22-2-2020. Edited.
  17. ↑ "Back Pain" , www.arthritis.org , Retrieved 22-2-2020. Edited.
  18. ↑ "Biologics: Basic Facts for Patients" , www.arthritis-health.com , Retrieved 22-2-2020. Edited.
  19. ↑ "Things to consider when taking a biologic" , arthritisaustralia.com.au , Retrieved 23-2-2020. Edited.
  20. ↑ "Biologics" , www.arthritis.org , Retrieved 23-2-2020. Edited.
  21. ↑ "Back-pain" , orthop.washington.edu , Retrieved 22-2-2020. Edited.
  22. ↑ "What is causing this pain in my back?" , www.medicalnewstoday.com , Retrieved 25-3-2020. Edited.
  23. ^ A b t "Back Surgery" , Www.asahq.org , Retrieved 23-2-2020. Edited.
  24. ↑ "Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty" , www.bsir.org , Retrieved 2-24-2020. Edited.
  25. ↑ "Decompressive Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis" , www.uwhealth.org , Retrieved 2-24-2020. Edited.
  26. ↑ "Discectomy or Microdiscectomy for a Lumbar Herniated Disc" , www.healthlinkbc.ca , Retrieved February 24, 2020. Edited.
  27. ↑ "Foraminotomy" , medlineplus.gov , Retrieved 24-2-2020. Edited.
  28. ↑ "How it's performed -Lumbar decompression surgery" , www.nhs.uk , Retrieved 2-24-2020. Edited.
  29. ↑ "Spinal Fusion" , www.hss.edu , Retrieved 24-2-2020. Edited.
  30. ↑ "Artificial Disc Replacement" , spine.keckmedicine.org , Retrieved 24-2-2020. Edited.
  31. ↑ "PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR BACK PAIN" , www.retptgroup.com , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  32. ^ A b "Nondrug Therapies And Lifestyle Lifestyle Changes Back Pain To the Ease" , Arthritis.org , Retrieved 25-2-2020. Edited.
  33. ↑ "Cognitive behavioral therapy for back pain" , medlineplus.gov , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  34. ↑ "Back pain diagnosis and treatment" , www.healthdirect.gov.au , Retrieved 24-2-2020. Edited.
  35. ^ A b "Treatment -Back Pain" , Www.nhs.uk , Retrieved 24-2-2020. Edited.
  36. ↑ "Heat vs. Ice for Back Pain" , www.premierortho.com , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  37. ↑ "Hydrotherapy Benefits for Athletes" , www.sportsinjuryclinic.net , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  38. ↑ "How can massage help treat back pain?" , www.massagemyotherapy.com.au , Retrieved 25-2-2020. Edited.
  39. ↑ "Why Is Weight Loss So Important For Reducing Back Pain?" , arizonapain.com , Retrieved 25-2-2020. Edited.
  40. ↑ "Physical Exercise, Body Mass Index, and Risk of Chronic Pain in the Low Back and Neck / Shoulders: Longitudinal Data From the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study" , academic.oup.com , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.
  41. ↑ "Another Good Reason to Quit Smoking in New Year: Less Back Pain" , www.urmc.rochester.edu , Retrieved 2-25-2020. Edited.

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