About 80% of adults experience back pain at a point in their lives. This pain may be due to heavy lifting, accidents, or bone defects such as scoliosis, osteoporosis, and the likes. Any back pain that exceeds three months or more is termed a chronic one. While some doctors may recommend surgery for severe back pain, there are non-surgical ways to manage this. Here are 5 ways to treat chronic pain without surgery.
- Physical therapy
Exercise is usually the first therapy adopted in treating chronic back pain. This is often under the guidance of a physical therapist or physician. There are different forms of exercise for various conditions and symptoms. Studies have shown that exercise leads to the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that help alleviate pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. Strength-building exercises, aerobic and flexibility exercises are quite effective in managing chronic back pain. These physical activities improve your posture, reduce strain on the spine and enhance overall body fitness.
- Diet
Diet has a significant influence on our health. Inflammation and certain types of back pains are closely related. Studies suggest that anti-inflammatory diets consisting of vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and fruits can lower inflammation, reducing back pain. These foods are as potent as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs like diclofenac, aspirin, and the likes. Research has shown that processed foods, refined sugars, and trans-fat are likely to promote inflammation, worsening back pain. Patients with back pain should adopt a healthy diet including foods rich in calcium. Calcium helps in bone development and strength. It’s believed to relieve back pain.
- Mindfulness and medication
These are popular therapies for easing stress and anxiety. Chronic back pain can affect both the physical and mental state of a person hence the need for meditation and mindfulness. Researchers and physicians advise people with back pain to imbibe these acts as they’ve been proven to mitigate pain and improve back function. You can visit a specialist or rehabilitation psychologist for a therapy session. They may recommend yoga and other relaxation techniques to keep your mind off the pain.
- Acupuncture
The traditional Chinese practice is fast becoming a trend in the world today. It’s believed that there are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. This involves the insertion of tiny needles into the body to stimulate certain points. The alternative treatment is used for a wide range of ailments like chronic diseases and chronic back pain. If over-the-counter prescriptions or standard treatments don’t soothe your chronic back pain, doing acupuncture in Singapore may be a better option. Some medical practitioners opine that the method may be more effective than conventional treatments for back pain that has lasted for more than three months.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS is the avant-garde technique for managing back pain. TENS rank among chiropractic practices adopted in treating spinal, neck, and back pain. Here, electrodes are attached to the patient’s back, with signals being sent out to stimulate the nerves and interrupt pain signals. Study shows that a 15-minute TENS session is efficient in reducing low back pain. You can purchase the TENS device online or visit the best chiropractor in Singapore for this treatment.
While there are various ways of treating back pain, the above-listed methods are non-surgical treatments. If they don’t work, you might need to consult a physician for a better diagnosis and advice. If you reside within Singapore, You should search for a chiropractor Singaporeto help with the best non-surgical way to manage your pain.
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