Finding relief from chronic back pain becomes more effective when you fully understand all the available treatment options. While many treatments can help, exploring a range of strategies often leads to the best outcomes. To assist you in managing your pain and improving your overall well-being, here are some additional non-surgical approaches to consider.

Modify Your Lifestyle

While it can be difficult to accept, sometimes our bodies can no longer handle certain habits or routines, especially when dealing with back pain. Many people find relief by making simple changes to their daily activities. For example, you might find it helpful to split up tasks like carrying groceries into smaller loads, taking breaks during strenuous activities like mowing the lawn, or investing in ergonomic furniture that supports your back.

Additionally, it's important to note that smoking has been scientifically proven to worsen pain and slow the healing process. If you smoke, reducing or quitting altogether could be the change your body needs to facilitate recovery.

Prescription Medications

If other methods haven't provided enough relief, prescription medications might offer short-term help with chronic back pain. Options include muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and more. However, most experts agree that these should be used sparingly and only as a last resort rather than a primary treatment strategy.

"Medications can be used to help control chronic back pain. However, most come with unwanted side effects and are not intended for prolonged use," notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Many of them are addictive and don’t address the underlying cause of your pain." Opioids, in particular, should only be prescribed after a thorough examination by a specialist, and if other treatments haven't worked. If you find yourself dependent on opioids to get through the day, it may be time to seek a second opinion.

Globally, more than 1.5 billion people experience chronic pain. Understanding all the non-surgical treatment options available can help you find effective relief for back pain without the risks that come with surgery. For more information on managing chronic back pain, feel free to consult with us at 865-392-1033 or visit us at https://www.thriveptknoxville.com/make-appointment/.