Acupuncture for back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults. This is often due to a sedentary lifestyle that weakens the muscles that could have prevented the pain from developing in the first place. Those who have this may also suffer from a lifetime of bad posture and a daily routine that usually involves a lot of sitting. For example, a lot of office workers sit all day in front of their computer as they finish their tasks. Periodic breaks and stretching can help in workers stay healthy. Using ergonomic chairs and keeping proper posture are great as well. As for those who are already dealing with the pain, the following treatments may be considered:
OTC Medicine
Most back pains are mild and can go away after days or weeks of home treatment. People can buy over the counter medication such as painkillers to get immediate relief. Common options include ibuprofen and naproxen which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Just be mindful of the dosage as overuse can result in unwanted side effects. It is best to talk to doctor about the pain for guidance, especially if OTC drugs prove to be inadequate. Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, narcotics, or injections to bring relief. There are also cases wherein low doses of antidepressants are used for chronic back pain.
Acupuncture
If you are not keen on consuming copious amounts of drugs just to feel better, then you might try the natural healing that acupuncture for back pain can provide. This ancient art of healing is all about releasing tension and ensuring good flow of energy around the body. Certain points will be stimulated to help the patient feel better. According to some theories, acupuncture may provide relief by triggering the release of neurotransmitters and natural opioids, as well as hastening the relay of electromagnetic signals. This treatment could be good for those who are dealing with chronic pain and have tried other methods with no success.
Surgery
Just note that in some cases, a more intensive form of intervention may be necessary. Let doctors run tests to assess the root cause of the problem including x-rays, MRI, blood tests, CT scans, bone scans, and even nerve studies. These will point to the underlying reason for the persistent soreness. The tests will help them provide a better recommendation for the treatment plan. A few might need surgery due to nerve compression and herniated disk.
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