| Pain without an underlying diagnosis is treated conservatively with tolerable activity and reassurance. Simple analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may be appropriate. Muscle relaxants are frequently prescribed, but their effectiveness comes from their sedative action. Use of light support corsets is sometimes suggested to help with the pain, but their value has come under question. For acute back pain, it has been found that the resumption of activity as tolerated is superior to bed rest (activity facilitates recovery), but short periods of bed rest may be necessary for severe symptoms. In cases of chronic pain that is unresponsive to conservative treatment, some doctors may choose to administer steroids and other injections in an effort to decrease pain and inflammation. Types of injections and the likelihood of their use vary among physicians (“Back Pain”).
Spinal manipulation may decrease the pain, especially in the first 4 to 6 weeks after the onset of pain.
In the vast majority of cases, surgery is not needed for simple low back pain. Underlying conditions and diseases that may necessitate surgery include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor