How to Cure Back Pain

Most of us will suffer from back pain sometime during our lives, probably more than once. Fortunately, the majority of us can cure our back pain at home with rest, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and other simple remedies. For those who suffer from extreme, ongoing pain, doctors may prescribe prescription drugs and more intensive therapy. Surgery also remains an option for those who suffer from severe, ongoing back pain that does not respond to less drastic measures.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription drugs
• Heating pads
• Ice packs
• Pain medications

Take Steps to Cure Your Back Pain

1. Treat back pain conservatively. Surgery is a last resort to cure even severe, chronic back pain.

2. Avoid taking to your bed to cure back pain. Extended bed rest may make back pain worse, not better. One or 2 days at most is recommended for back pain from sprains or strains.

3. Medicate mild to moderate back pain with over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.

4. Use heat or cold therapy to cure back pain. Alternating hot and cold dressings can be especially effective for back pain caused by sprains or strains.

5. Stretch your back to improve its condition. Stretching combined with mild exercise can also be helpful in relieving back pain.

6. Use prescription drugs to cure back pain only under the close and continued supervision of your doctor. NSAIDs and muscle relaxants are often prescribed for back pain relief. Doctors may prescribe very short-term use of **** or codeine to ease severe, chronic pain.

7. Consider doctor-supervised cortisone injections to cure back pain caused by pinched nerves or other sources of nerve inflammation.

8. Work with a massage therapist or a physical therapist to get relief from back pain. Therapies may include electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound. Therapists will also train you in techniques to reduce flare ups of back pain and to avoid reinjuring your back.

9. Discuss surgery when other options to cure back pain have been exhausted, or when your doctor advises that surgery is needed for structural, nerve or soft tissue damage and/or disease.