If you have ever suffered from a sore back, you know how uncomfortable this problem can be. Imagine what it would be like to live with that pain day in and day out, with very little relief in sight. Many people don’t have to imagine that scenario, because they are living through that type of pain every day. For some that are experiencing chronic pain, there is hope for relief through the various types of back pain therapies that are available today. Sometimes the best solution is a combination of back pain therapies that can be developed by partnering with your doctor to find the most effective road to relief for you.

Physical Therapy

If you are dealing with chronic back pain, or if you have a specific discomfort that is coming and going frequently, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy as a way to reduce your pain. Some physical therapy is passive, meaning that the therapist performs the exercises or moves on the patient. Examples of passive therapy may include ultrasound or heat and ice applications. Other types of back pain therapies are active, which indicates that the patient is an involved part of the physical therapy process. This is the case when the therapist gives the patient an exercise regimen to follow that will focus on stretching or strengthening the back. Either of these back pain therapies can be effective, depending on the cause of your back pain.

Medications

Another aspect of back pain therapy may include medications, and these can be administered in addition to physical therapy or in place of it. Medications can run the gamut, from over the counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to prescription strength choices. In the case of chronic pain, antidepressants are often prescribed to relieve the discomfort as well as deal with the negative emotions and attitudes that accompany chronic pain for many people. Cortisone injections are also used on occasion, particularly in the case of a pinched nerve since this will relieve the inflammation involved. When the patient is suffering from more severe pain, stronger medications like narcotics or injections may be used.

Counseling and Education

Another aspect of back pain therapy that is often used in the case of chronic pain situations is counseling or education. This involves informing the patient of the cause of the back pain, and the various coping mechanisms that can be uses to deal with the discomfort. There are even back schools that help to educate patients on subjects like the anatomy of the back, pain management and pain prevention. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, rest assured that you have many options in back pain therapies available.