Back Relief

I would like to encourage my creative buddy to take better care of his back. Your back is hurt way too often, and we need to figure out how to prevent future occurances. For now, let's focus on treatment:



Most of the time back pain gets better in about two to four weeks with what doctors refer to as conservative therapy, which involves:

* Nonprescription pain medicines
* Application of ice for the first 24 hours, followed by applications of heat on the following days
* A gradual return to normal activities

It is best not to stay in bed for more than two to three days. Even if moving around is uncomfortable, it is generally good for you. It helps relieve muscle spasm and strengthens the muscles that support the back.
People with acute lower back pain may benefit from an exercise program, if it is started early and the exercises cause minimal stress on the back. The goals of an exercise program are to prevent weakness resulting from inactivity and to improve the body’s ability to tolerate activity so the person can return to normal functioning.
Unless the back pain is due to a serious medical condition or an identifiable cause that requires an operation to correct, surgery should be reserved as a last resort to be undertaken only after all other options have failed to relieve the pain.