Skeleton decorations and Halloween are almost synonymous. Just look around you’ll see it: dancing skeletons, jumping skeletons, sitting skeletons on benches, and so forth. They are a popular touch this time of year. Our own skeletons carry a bit more weight than these decorations do, however, which can unfortunately give rise to problems like lower back pain. Beyond being uncomfortable, back problems upset people because they’re concerned that only surgery will help. The good news is that conservative methods can help most lower back pain—that’s a treat without a trick.
Many different issues can cause lower back pain. You lower back is made up of many different parts, with lots of muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels all making it up and holding it together. Occasionally people do need surgery to make repairs. For the majority of people, though, conservative methods and physical therapy are all they need.
These noninvasive methods work with the body to discourage inflammation and repair damage without any surgery. Here are a few conservative treatments for the lower back that may help you:
- Rest – Take a break from activities that make your back feel worse. Rest and get plenty of sleep to help with healing.
- Heat or Ice Packs – Heat and ice do opposite things, but both help heal soft tissues. Ice decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat relaxes tight tissues and encourages blood flow to the area. Both can help manage discomfort.
- Physical Therapy – Stretches and strengthening exercises help loosen up tight tissues and then increase strength in supporting structures, reducing the strain on your back.
- Medication – Pain medications aren’t necessary for everyone, but for some people they can be very helpful when taken appropriately.
Surgery on the back is a big step, so it’s never undertaken lightly. It’s always best to use conservative options first. Our team at Castle Pines Physical Therapy and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy are happy to help you manage your lower back pain so you can get your life back. Make an appointment with us online, or by calling (303) 805-5156 to reach us.