Back Pain Relief Procedures

Many individuals suffer from back pain. There are several back pain relief procedures used to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Many of these back pain relief procedures can be performed at home. One of the best remedies for back pain is activity.

Movement helps to ease stiffness and relieve pain. Exercises such as stretching and low impact aerobics can also be used to reduce back pain. Hot or cold packs are recommended for back pain. The packs can be used to temporarily relieve pain, but heat and cold cannot fix chronic back pain.
Non-surgical back pain relief procedures are usually the first treatment step for back pain. There are several non-surgical back pain relief procedures being used today. Prolotherapy is a procedure that is widely regarded. It involves a sugar solution being injected along the periosteum in the back to promote the growth of fibrous tissue. The tissue is supposed to strengthen tendons and ligaments in the back. Chiropractors and osteopathic physicians perform this procedure.

Other common back pain relief procedures include spinal manipulation, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulations (TENS), acupuncture, acupressure and Rolfing. Spinal manipulation is a procedure where the spine is massaged, mobilized or adjusted. Patients being treated by TENS wear a small box over the afflicted area. The box sends mild electrical impulses to the nerves, which stimulates the body to produce endorphins. Acupuncture and acupressure are both back pain relief procedures, which have been gaining in popularity in the United States. These procedures are based on Chinese practices where pressure is exerted to clear blocked life forces in the body. Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into the body to relieve pain. Acupressure does not use needles, but rather the practitioner applies physical pressure to the affected area in attempt to relieve pain. Rolfing is a type of massage where strong pressure is used to relieve tightness in the back. Studies are still being conducted on the effectiveness of Rolfing and acupressure as a back pain relief procedures.