Back Pain Treatments You Can Try At Home
There are a number of different back pain treatments which people can try at home. These are all suitable for treating mild to moderate levels of pain, and most people will notice an improvement in the condition within a few weeks. If after six weeks you have not noticed any improvement, it is a good idea to get in touch with your doctor for further advice.
Over The Counter Painkillers
As long as you are not sensitive to their ingredients, over the counter painkillers are a very safe solution to back pain. The majority of people will find that paracetamol is effective in controlling their discomfort, and this treatment is preferable since it is the drug with the fewest associated short term and long term side effects. However, some people will find that ibuprofen is better suited to their needs.
Over The Counter Painkillers
As long as you are not sensitive to their ingredients, over the counter painkillers are a very safe solution to back pain. The majority of people will find that paracetamol is effective in controlling their discomfort, and this treatment is preferable since it is the drug with the fewest associated short term and long term side effects. However, some people will find that ibuprofen is better suited to their needs.
For moderate pain which does not respond to paracetamol, codeine may be more effective. This should only be considered a short term solution, as the drug can be addictive. It is important that you read the enclosed information carefully and that you do not take it for more than three days without consulting a medical professional.
Low Intensity Exercise
To some extent, you should try to rest when you are suffering from back pain. Extensive physical exertion may make the problem worse, particularly if the pain was triggered by an injury. But many studies have shown that low intensity exercise will help a person to recover much more quickly, in comparison to resting in bed.
If the pain is severe, regularly getting up and moving around your home should be enough to aid your recovery - the idea is to avoid being completely immobile. People with milder levels of pain should try to go for a short walk each day, or maybe a gentle swim. Although minor discomfort is to be expected while you are active, you should stop an activity if the pain becomes too intense.
A Hot Or Cold Compress
The final thing you can try is a hot or cold compress. Try using either an ice pack or having a warm bath. You may find that one approach works better for you, or you may find alternating between the two treatments is best.
Back pain can make a person very miserable, but it usually passes quickly. These back pain treatments should help to alleviate the discomfort and can even speed up recovery.
Low Intensity Exercise
To some extent, you should try to rest when you are suffering from back pain. Extensive physical exertion may make the problem worse, particularly if the pain was triggered by an injury. But many studies have shown that low intensity exercise will help a person to recover much more quickly, in comparison to resting in bed.
If the pain is severe, regularly getting up and moving around your home should be enough to aid your recovery - the idea is to avoid being completely immobile. People with milder levels of pain should try to go for a short walk each day, or maybe a gentle swim. Although minor discomfort is to be expected while you are active, you should stop an activity if the pain becomes too intense.
A Hot Or Cold Compress
The final thing you can try is a hot or cold compress. Try using either an ice pack or having a warm bath. You may find that one approach works better for you, or you may find alternating between the two treatments is best.
Back pain can make a person very miserable, but it usually passes quickly. These back pain treatments should help to alleviate the discomfort and can even speed up recovery.