Lower back pain treatment almost always begins with conservative, noninvasive treatments. Because the lumbar region of the spine is involved in so many daily movements, it is a part of the body that is highly susceptible to deterioration. However, most lower back pain can effectively heal itself in a matter of weeks with the proper rehabilitation plan.
The Benefits of Remaining Active
Relief from discomfort in the lumbar spine can take many forms, but work with your physician or a physical therapist to create a treatment plan that is right for you. Pain medication, anti-inflammatory injections, heat packs and acupuncture are all traditional options that have proved effective for low back pain. Many patients’ first instinct when they experience lumbar discomfort is to rest in bed. Although this may help relieve the pain at first, remaining sedentary will ultimately worsen the condition.
Bed rest can exacerbate lumbar back pain — for example:
- Immobility can cause joint stiffness
- Circulation decreases
- Muscle mass is reduced
- Flexibility and range of motion are lost
Ways to remain active without putting undue stress on your spine include:
- Gentle physical therapy
- Mild low back pain stretches
- Low-impact exercises, like walking and swimming
Additional Treatment Options
If you attempt several weeks of conservative treatment and are still unable to achieve lower back pain relief, your physician may suggest that you consider a surgical approach to pain relief. If this is the case, the experts at Laser Spine Institute would like to tell you more about our minimally invasive alternatives to open back surgeries. Our endoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and convalescent time is usually short. Contact us today for more information about lower back pain treatment, or for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.
