Treatment Low Back Pain

Treatments for low back pain are:

Low Back Pain, Back Pain Lower, Back Pain

Nonsurgical Treatment

1. Rest
   A few days of rest can often calm the pain down as well. Prolonged bed rest (more than 2 days to 3 days) is no longer generally recommended for people with low back pain.
2. Braces
   Although there is minimal scientific evidence of their effectiveness in treating low back pain, back braces are commonly used. Most common is a corset type brace that can be wrapped around the back and abdomen. People who use corset type braces sometimes report feeling better supported and more comfortable. Short term use has its benefits but chronic use has more disadvantages than advantages.
3. Local Muscle Injections
   The most commonly used injections are local anesthetic, hypertonic glucose and/or steroids. They are usually given either in the area that is believed to be the source of the pain, such as into a muscle or ligament. Once the muscle is deactivated, and inflammation is removed, the painful area is allowed to heal and recover.
4. Exercise and Stretching
   Exercising to restore motion and strength to a painful lumbar spine can be very helpful in relieving pain. Although there is controversy as to which are the most effective spine exercises, it is generally agreed that exercise should be both aerobic (aimed at improving heart and lung function) and stretches specific to the spine. Aerobic exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. In principle, exercises being engaged should be both strengthening and stretching.
5. Proper Posture and Lifting Technique
   Improperly bending over to lift can cause a large increase in strain on the low back. Proper lifting keeps the back straight while you bend with the knees.

Surgical Treatment Options

• Open Surgical Options:
  1. Laminectomy Decompression. Open surgery - A segment of the bone of the spine is cut off to allow space for the nerves to be freed.
  2. Instrumental Fusion of spine. Screws and plates are fused with the spine to cause a rigid structure, preventing mobility, hence no movement - no pain.
• Interventional Pain Procedures (Minimally Invasive):
  1. Needle Laser Decompression. Through a needle, a laser wand is inserted into the spine to decompress the intervertebral disc. (See Nucleoplasty Dekcompressor)
  2. Needle Ballooning Decompression. Through a needle, a balloon catheter is inserted into the spine to decompress the narrowed area of the spine. This is liken to ballooning of a narrowed blood vessel. (See Neuroplasty)