Back pain affects nearly everyone at some point in their life, but for some, it can become a chronic condition that takes a toll on their relationships, job and ability to do the things they love. If you’re an El Paso, Texas, back pain sufferer, it’s important to understand your options for relief.
As the experts in physical therapy with locations throughout the El Paso area, Border Therapy Services wants to help educate and empower you as a patient. Take a moment to read through these four commonly-recommended back pain treatments and feel free to contact us if you have questions or would like to know more about how we can help.
Common back pain treatments
When dealing with back pain that is persisting for longer than a week, or is particularly severe, always seek the guidance of a doctor or qualified medical professional. Attempting to treat back pain yourself may be ineffective or even worsen your condition depending on the underlying cause. Here are four commonly-recommended methods:
- Get plenty of rest — Many causes of back pain are related to overexertion. That’s why it’s important to relieve pressure on the back and avoid strenuous activity to allow the body to heal itself.
- Get plenty of exercise — However, it’s just as important to break up periods of rest with activity to avoid becoming overly sedentary. Low-impact activities like walking and gentle stretches can help improve circulation and mobilize stiff muscles and joints.
- Consider lifestyle changes — Too many unhealthy habits can contribute to chronic back pain. These include smoking, poor posture and improper nutrition. By taking steps to correct this, you can help improve the long-term health of your back.
- Start a physical therapy program — The goal of physical therapy for back pain is to use active and passive techniques, like manual therapy and exercise, to strengthen and stabilize the spine. This can help with short-term and long-term back pain relief.
It’s important to be patient and consistent with your back pain treatment program and expect some trial and error as you find the right combination of therapies for your needs.
Back pain relief in El Paso
To learn more about how our highly trained and credentialed physical therapists can assist you on your journey to relief, reach out to a dedicated representative at Border Therapy Services today. We’ll be glad to schedule your initial appointment where you can learn more about the causes of your pain and the treatment options available to you.