Diagnosis and Treatment
A physical exam by an orthopedist can confirm back pain and muscle spasms, but it can be hard to sort out the cause of those symptoms. An X-ray will point out damage to bone tissue, such as arthritis or a fracture, but cannot assess soft tissue damage. Therefore, an MRI or CT scan is necessary to detect disk complications.


Most nonspecific back pain resolves itself through a combination of rest, N-SAIDs, physical therapy and behavioral modifications. In very serious cases, there are certain surgical procedures performed on herniated disks or other serious degenerative conditions. However, surgery is always used as the last option.


Your doctor may recommend heat, ice, or a combination of both to ease your pain and decrease swelling. For some injuries, a short period of rest followed by light activity may ease your pain. If you are overweight, slimming down will reduce the strain on your back, and if you are a smoker, quitting will also help ease your back.


Poor posture is a major cause of back pain, but it is one that can be rectified. Keeping your back in proper alignment by sitting and standing in the proper position is probably the number one thing you can do to alleviate your back pain. Learning the proper way to lift and carry things can also improve your back pain, and prevent injuries from occurring.


A physical therapist can recommend exercise to help you strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, which will help to keep your back in the proper alignment. Also, a therapist can help you to increase your flexibility and help to establish an exercise program that works for you. Light exercise is important for your back health. He or she may also help you to sort out the cause of your back pain and make recommendations for preventing it in the future, such as changing to a hard mattress, or improving your posture at work. He may also recommend that you see a chiropractor or osteopath who can manipulate your spine into its proper alignment.


Finally, alternative medicinal methods, such as acupuncture and massage therapy have provided the cure for many back pain sufferers.

Last updated: 01-Jan-00