THE HEALTHY
GEEZER
(This is the last of a 3-part series on
back pain. The first two columns were about causes and prevention. This one is
about treatments.)
Treatment for back pain generally depends on
whether it is acute or chronic. Acute back pain usually gets better on its own.
Treatment for chronic back pain is either
non-surgical or surgical. In most cases, back pain does not require surgery.
The following are common non-surgical
treatments for chronic back pain.
They have varying degrees of support from the
medical community. You should seek your own doctors advice about any of them.
Hot or cold packs can be soothing.
Exercise can help ease chronic pain and
perhaps reduce its risk of returning.
Medications are used to treat chronic back
pain. These include over-the-counter pain-relievers such Tylenol; nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen that relieve both pain and
inflammation; prescription narcotics such as oxycodone; topical analgesics such
as Ben Gay; muscle relaxants and certain antidepressants.
Traction, which employs pulleys and weights
to stretch the back, pulls the vertebrae apart to allow a bulging disc to slip
back into place.
Injections into nerves, spinal joints or
specific areas of pain.
Spinal manipulation refers to procedures in
which professionals use their hands to treat the spine or surrounding tissues.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
(TENS) involves wearing a small box over the painful area that directs mild
electrical impulses to nerves there.
Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of
thin needles at precise locations, is used to relieve pain.
In acupressure, no needles are used.
Instead, a therapist applies pressure to points with hands, elbows, or even
feet.
Rolfing is a type of massage involving
strong pressure on deep tissues in the back to relieve tightness.
Some of the conditions that may require
surgery include:
Herniated, or ruptured discs that are
damaged and irritate nearby nerves.
Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal
canal.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a
vertebra dislocates.
Vertebral fractures caused by trauma or
crumbling of the vertebrae.
Degenerative disc disease brought on by
aging.
Following are some commonly performed back
surgeries:
Laminectomy/discectomy in which part of the
lamina, a portion of the bone on the back of the vertebrae, is removed. The
herniated disc is then removed.
Microdiscectomy removes a herniated disc
through a small incision in the back. The doctor uses a magnifying microscope
in this operation.
Laser surgery. During this procedure, the
surgeon inserts a needle in the disc that delivers a few bursts of laser energy
to vaporize the tissue in the disc. This reduces its size and relieves pressure
on the nerves.
In a laminectomy, the doctor makes a large
incision down the affected area of the spine and removes the lamina and any
bone spurs, which are overgrowths of bone, that may have formed in the spinal
canal because of osteoarthritis.
In spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are
joined together using bone grafts, screws, and rods to stop slippage of an
affected vertebrae.
Disc replacement: When a disc is herniated,
one alternative to remove the disc and replace it with a synthetic disc.
If you have a question, please write to
fred@healthygeezer.com
All Rights Reserved
© 2008 by Fred Cicetti