Undiagnosed Back Pain Management

The main reason back pain is such a difficult condition to treat is that its cause is difficult to diagnose. While doctors are trained mainly to look for spinal abnormalities, the cause of back pain is often musculoskeletal and biomechanical in nature. Given the lack of training in how to diagnose such dysfunctions, most doctors can do little more than prescribe medication and give generic advice to help patients with chronic back pain.

Finding the cause of your pain is the only way to ensure thorough treatment; this can be done by seeking out physical therapists, chiropractors, myofascial specialists and massage therapists trained to identify commonly overlooked sources of back pain. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the ultimate goal, but finding a way to manage pain safely while you get there can be just as important.

Chronic back pain can interfere with relationships, work and quality of life in general. The longer pain goes untreated, the more susceptible patients are to depression and cessation of activity, things that can actually make pain worse. Prescription pain medications come with serious health risks and can interfere with your ability to function normally. Over-the-counter medications also carry serious risks if used for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, there are safe pain management options for people looking to avoid the health risks associated with pain killers, even if you don't know what is causing your pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been around for centuries and is finally gaining credibility in the scientific community. There are many theories on how acupuncture works to relieve pain; some say unblocks energy pathways in the body, while others say that it stimulates nerve clusters to interfere with pain signals. Others say acupuncture works by increasing the flow of endorphins through the body. One or all of these may be correct. Perhaps most relevant to its treatment of back pain is the fact that it can fight inflammation.

Cortisol is a hormone that triggers the body's anti-inflammatory response. A study was conducted to assess cortisol levels in people after receiving acupuncture treatment. Participants had 28% more cortisol in their blood 15 minutes after treatment and 50% more 45 minutes after treatment. Inflammation is a main source of pain and is associated with nearly all types of injury. See more on the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7183209.

Theramine

Theramine is a medical food available by prescription only. It consists of neurotransmitters and precursors thereof. The neurotransmitters that are initiated by Theramine both interfere with pain signal communication between nerve endings and the brain and help reduce inflammation. It may be a useful alternative to other types of pain medications that come with greater risks, or as a supplementary medication to reduce your reliance on other drugs. Talk with you doctor about this natural pain medication.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is part of the treatment plan for almost any type of back pain. One study, found at http://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/publishahead/Primary_Care_Referral_of_Patients_with_Low_Back.98253.aspx, showed that patients with back pain who sought physical therapy early on saved money in the long run due to lack of need for expensive medications, imaging tests and further doctor's visits. Physical therapists can guide you in stretches that keep your muscles flexible and exercises that strengthen your core. The core muscle group supports your spine and helps you maintain proper posture. This relieves strain on muscles and ligaments. Strong muscles in the stomach and back also help reduce stress on spinal discs and joints.

A physical therapist may even be able to diagnose the cause of your pain. If you find a therapist well-versed in muscle imbalances and biomechanical dysfunction, he or she may be capable of seeing what your physician can't.

The cornerstone of back pain treatment is an accurate diagnosis; however, pain management is necessary in the meantime. The above natural treatments may help you cope with back pain, no matter what the cause.