People with mild back pain can control it with home care methods, if the condition is more serious, treatment should follow the doctor's instructions.
Back pain is a condition of tightness or dull pain in the upper and/or lower back. The severity and duration of the pain varies from person to person. Some people only have pain for a few days, while others need several months for the symptoms of back pain, stiffness, difficulty moving, etc. to completely disappear.
MSc. Dr. Ngo Tuan Anh, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital System, said that people with mild back pain can apply the following pain relief measures at home.
Rest
When the pain appears suddenly or is severe enough to affect daily activities, the patient should immediately stop all activities and rest in place. This measure helps reduce pressure on the spine and soft tissues next to the spine, improve muscle tension to effectively reduce pain.
Warm compress
High temperatures can help warm and relax the back muscles, spine and nerves, supporting better blood circulation. Thanks to that, patients improve muscle tension and back pain, restore range of motion. This method also reduces inflammation, promotes the healing process of bone and joint injuries. Patients should apply heat regularly 2-3 times a day, 20 minutes at a time.
Cold compress
Cold compresses are an effective method to reduce swelling and pain, especially within 72 hours of the onset of back pain or injury. Patients can use a cold compress or a towel wrapped around ice and apply it to the painful area about 3 times a day, each time for 15-20 minutes.
Massage helps relax muscles and relieve back pain. Photo: Freepik
Massage
The pressure from the hands on the back can help circulate the meridians and blood; relax the spine, muscles and nerves, thereby healing injuries and improving back pain. Massage is suitable for people with back pain due to overwork, sitting in the wrong position, and muscle tension.
Dr. Tuan Anh shared that patients have applied home care measures but the pain still does not subside, so they should visit a doctor. The doctor will prescribe some medications such as pain relievers (oral or topical), anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants...
Depending on each patient's health condition, the doctor will establish a separate physical therapy program. Stretching and rehabilitation exercises help strengthen muscles, relax and increase flexibility and endurance for the musculoskeletal system. These exercises also reduce pain, increase blood circulation and decompress nerves; limit the recurrence of back pain, reduce the risk of bone and joint diseases, maintain and restore mobility for the patient.
Most cases of acute back pain do not require surgical treatment. This method is often applied if the cause of back pain is due to spinal stenosis, fractures, herniated discs, congenital spinal malformations, compressed spinal nerves, abnormal bone and joint structures that limit range of motion, and pose a risk of muscle weakness and paralysis...
Doctor Tuan Anh checks the patient's condition after surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Doctor Tuan Anh recommends that back pain is a preventable condition and the risk of recurrence can be reduced if the patient practices a healthy lifestyle. Patients should maintain a daily exercise routine to increase strength and flexibility of the musculoskeletal system, limit strenuous work and exercise, especially those who have had back pain. Ensuring correct posture when working, studying, exercising; balanced nutrition; quitting smoking; limiting the wearing of high heels... are also necessary.
Phi Hong
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