Back Pain

Treatments

Not all muscles aches and back pain require medical attention. Of the two major categories of treatment (conservative and surgical) most muscle strain sufferers only require conservative therapies. Those needing extreme measures like surgery or back braces are in the minority. If your aches flare up, or you experience mild to moderate back pain after lifting a heavy object or moving the wrong way, there are several steps you can take to ease your discomfort:

• Consult a doctor about options like physiotherapy or rehabilitation exercises. While total bed rest used to be the standard treatment for all back injuries, we now know that light activity speeds healing and recovery.
• Consider non-traditional therapies like chiropractic or acupuncture; however it may be wise to discuss these alternatives with your doctor.
• For back pain, try applying heat or cold to see which feels better. Heat will relax and soothe tense muscles, while cold will help numb the pain. Be careful not to leave an ice bag that isn't wrapped in a towel or cloth on for more than a few minutes at a time or you may suffer localized frostbite.
• For general aches and pains, use R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

1. Rest your injury
2. Apply ice to your injury for the first 48 hours
3. Wrap your injury in a tensor bandage
4. Elevate the affected area

• Taking medication like MOTRIN* IB or TYLENOL* Aches and Strains can also help relieve your pain. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants.