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Alternative approaches for back pain
Back pain can cause much discomfort. One would like to have relief from it. Normally a patient goes in for traditional form of treatment prescribed by a doctor. But now he or she is also trying out alternate therapies.
Americans prefer alternate approaches to lower back pain. The conventional approach is there such as medication etc, but one prefers to try out other non-traditional forms of treatment. Complementary forms of treatment are in addition to conventional forms of treatment.
Available alternative therapies
- Spinal manipulation – In this form of treatment the health practitioner applies sudden force with the help of his or her hands to the joints in one’s back. In the United States, chiropractors do the need full. Also osteopathic physicians, physical therapists and sports medicine doctors also use this form of treatment for back pain. They use it for spinal mobility, which is restricted. The main purpose is to restore one’s spinal movement. This form of treatment improves function as well as reduces pain.
- Massage – The therapist manipulates the soft tissues with his or her hands as well as fingers. The muscles, tendons and skin are massaged. This form of treatment relieves one of pain and stress and promotes relaxation. It also improves circulation. This is a safe form of therapy and does not have side-effects. It is of course not risk free. Massage is not advisable for people who suffer from unhealed fractures, open wounds or skin infections and rheumatoid arthritis or those suffering from severe osteoporosis.
- Acupuncture – Hair thin needles are inserted underneath the skin by an acupuncturist which does not cause much pain. The needles remain in position for about 15 to 30 minutes. One may require several sessions. One may get relief from pain from the release of endorphins, which are body’s natural painkillers. Of course one is not sure how this method works. A review conducted of several studies does indicate that acupuncture does provide relief from pain in the lower back for a short term as well as long term.
- Biofeedback – Chronic pain could be due to physical, psychological and social reasons. Although one may take measures to get rid of the physical pain, yet one has to address the psychological aspect as well as mental health is also important. Psychological disturbances can also affect physical well-being. Biofeedback is able to address problems related to the mind and also helps in relaxing the muscles.
The biofeedback session involves the therapist applying electrodes as well as other sensors to the body. The electrode get attached to devices which monitor and give feedback on items such as brain wave activity, muscle tension, blood pressure as well as temperature. Once these electrodes are in their position, the therapist uses relaxation methods to relieve one of muscle tension and also slows down one’s breathing and heart rate. Then eventually one learns how to produce these effects. The main purpose is to induce relaxation of the muscles to get relief from pain. Of course a review of several studies has shown conflicting evidence about biofeedback method with regard to its effectiveness.
- Traction – In this case one uses weights and gravity is made use of for an intermittent longitudinal force along the length of one’s spine. The idea is to stretch the ligaments and muscles as well as other parts of the spine to properly align the back. This is also meant to reduce the pressure on the disks. Relief can be felt in the upper part of the back through this method; but in the lower part there isn’t much evidence.
- Yoga – This entails physical postures and also is meant to calm the mind through regulated breathing and is meant to improve one’s physical fitness. It also relieves stress.
- Ultrasound – This supplies deep heat by the usage of high frequency sound waves. The therapist applies a gel and then making use of probe attached to the ultrasound machine and is held in the hand, ultrasound vibrations are then transmitted through one’s skin onto the deeper tissues. This method reduces muscle spasms and stiffness.
Back pain can be dealt with non-conventional methods. Many people prefer them as they feel they would get much relief from pain.
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