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Step 1
DO NOTHING: Studies show that 80% of back pain resolves on its own without any intervention. Jumping into treatments prematurely can often be devastating.
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Step 2
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT: Anti-inflammatories are one of the first line of medications for the treatment of chronic back pain. There are oral (or by mouth) ones such as Advil, Aleve, etc. as well as topical (through the skin) such as Voltaren Gel. Muscle relaxers are also helpful, when your physician diagnoses you with muscle-related pain. Finally, narcotics are the last line of medication management. These should be avoided at all costs due to the possibility of dependency with these medications.
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Step 3
PHYSICAL THERAPY: Physical therapy is often helpful with back pain issues. Be sure that you are properly evaluated by your physician prior to attempting physical therapy exercises.
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Step 4
PAIN THERAPY INTERVENTIONS: Though it sounds scary, pain therapy injections can often give patients great relief of their chronic back pain. There are many different type of injections that can specifically target the cause of your chronic pain.
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Step 5
SURGERY: Finally, surgery should always be the last option. Once all other conservative treatments have been explored, and nothing alleviates the pain, only then should surgery be investigated. This is the only treatment that is not reversible if unsuccessful, so always save this as an absolute LAST RESORT.
