Three Alternative Methods in Treating Lower Back Pain

Health experts say that nearly 80 percent of the people will experience back pain at one point in their lives. Of the various back pains, none can be more common than lower back pain. It has been said that lower back pain can be very painful and has been cited as the number reason for absences in work.

Lower back pain has been managed by conventional medical treatments that include medications, injections, and even surgeries for the more severe cases. Of late, there has been an increase in the use of complementary and alternative therapies in addressing this problem. Various studies have shown that these options can really be of big help in managing this very common medical attention.

Among the more common alternative or complementary therapies are the following:

Massage Therapy

Massage has gone a long way from just being a means to provide relaxation or to reduce stress. Various studies have shown that massage therapy offers huge benefits in managing a number of medical conditions. In fact, massage therapy has now become a vital component in mainstream medical treatment.

Only recently a clinical trial concluded that regular massage therapy is an effective method in relieving lower back pain. It was observed that very positive results were realized with just 10 weeks of massage therapy. It is worth mentioning that participants claimed to have experienced less pain and stiffness and almost all were able to regain their daily activities.

Acupuncture

Although in existence for a very long time, it has not been long that acupuncture has gained acceptance in western countries. This ancient form of therapy has long been practiced in Asia and has been thought to be effective. At the moment, acupuncture has found application in certain serious conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart-related problems.

As a treatment option for lower back pain, acupuncture has received mixed feedbacks form medical experts. While there may be healthcare providers who question the benefits of acupuncture, there is an increasing number of medical practitioners who are supportive of the use of acupuncture for the treatment of lower back pain. This position may find support from different clinical trials that show encouraging results.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy or physical therapy has been well accepted in the medical world as vital component in the treatment of different medical conditions, particularly those that involve the musculoskeletal system. It is therefore no wonder that patients suffering from lower back pain may find physical therapy very beneficial. Patients who have undergone physical therapy have been reported to experience a reduction in pain and discomfort, improved range of motions, increased muscle strength, and better overall function.

With the consent of the healthcare provider, a patient with lower back pain will be evaluated by a physical therapist and a recovery and rehabilitative program will subsequently be recommended. This may consist of physical exercises or the use of different modalities. If the patient so desire, he or she can avail of other therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy while under the guidance of the physical therapist. Most wellness clinics right now offer these services along with the basic physical therapy.