There are many different approaches when it comes to the treatment of spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and other conditions that cause lower back pain. More often than not, a person’s pain can be resolved without surgical intervention, with self-care, medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and alternative therapies helping to relieve symptoms before the condition becomes serious.
In this article, we will discuss the innovative approaches to treating lower back pain, from simple changes to your diet to treatments such as acupuncture and massage. We will also consider the next steps if treatments fail to cure your lower back pain, detailing what you can expect from surgery and the options that are open to you.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can often be associated with an issue involving the discs in the spine. These discs protect the vertebrae (bones) that make up the spinal column, essentially acting as shock absorbers whenever a person moves to prevent potential damage.
Over time these discs can wear down, a common consequence of the aging process. Degenerative disc disease involves one or more discs losing hydration, meaning they weaken and become less effective as shock absorbers, they may even tear or result in a herniated disc. A herniated disc refers to when the soft, jelly-like tissue within the disc protrudes out of its outer casing and comes into contact with the surrounding nerves, causing pain. This type of rupture can sometimes heal naturally or with medical treatment, but in some cases, surgery may be required.
Other common causes of lower back pain are spondylolisthesis and lumbar spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal narrows and compresses on the nerve roots, while spondylolisthesis is when one of the vertebrae slips forward and presses against the nerves or spinal cord.
Other causes may include osteoarthritis, facet joint dysfunction, scoliosis, or kyphosis.
Traditional Treatments for Lower Back Pain
If you experience lower back pain, the first step should be to book an appointment with your doctor, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the next steps, such as non-surgical treatment options.
The treatment is likely to be recommended as a course of physical therapy and gentle home exercises. A physical therapist will work with you to strengthen your back muscles, promote better flexibility in the back, and improve posture. They will also recommend gentle exercises and stretches that you can perform at home, helping to keep your back limber and build core strength.
If you are carrying extra weight then you may also be referred to a dietician who can advise you on eating healthier to help lose weight. This will likely include avoiding fatty, processed foods and dairy while eating more greens, fish, and grains.
If a person is struggling with their pain symptoms then they will also be given medication to help them go about their daily lives without restriction. Medication may include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, or antidepressants. If the source of the pain is known, your doctor may issue pain-killing injections, such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks. Targeting the pain directly and providing quick and short-term relief.
Another measure may be for you to wear a back brace, particularly if you work in an office and sit at a computer for long periods. A brace will ensure you maintain good posture in a similar way to an ergonomic chair. If you work a manual job then you may be given a doctor’s note to take time off work and a period of rest and advised to avoid overly strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and contact sports.
Alternative Treatments for Lower Back Pain
Acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted alternative treatments and involves small, thin needles being inserted into certain points of the body to relieve pressure. Acupuncture is an effective form of pain relief for many back pain sufferers, however, the amount of time this relief lasts can vary from person to person, ranging from a few hours to a few weeks.
Massage therapy is another option to help manage pain symptoms, with studies showing that if a person with back pain receives a professional massage once a week, for ten weeks, they are very likely to experience a reduction in symptoms.
Chiropractors provide chiropractic spinal manipulation, which is an option if the pain is not caused by nerve damage. Although slightly more controversial than acupuncture and massage therapy, many people claim professional chiropractic sessions offer sustained pain relief.
Yoga and pilates are often suggested as a form of exercise for people with back issues as the various postures help to stretch the spine and improve abdominal strength to provide additional support. Combined with other exercise and a healthier diet, back pain sufferers can notice the difference in their symptoms in just a matter of weeks.
For people who are averse to taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, herbal medicine and remedies may also be considered. These remedies use natural ingredients to provide organic pain relief, although not everyone experiences a change in these symptoms. Common herbal medicines for back pain include turmeric, devil’s claw, ginger, green tea, and piperine.
Surgery for Back Pain
Unfortunately, traditional and alternative treatments have little or no impact on some people, and as a last resort, your doctor will likely recommend surgery in the hope of providing permanent pain relief. The type of surgery that is delivered will depend on your condition, with a discectomy for a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease or spinal decompression (a laminectomy) for spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis.
These surgeries are typically followed by spinal fusion to stabilize the back, fusing the affected vertebrae to an adjacent one using a bone graft and/ or metal rods and screws to provide a solid bridge. Spinal fusion does have its drawbacks, such as reduced mobility and flexibility in the spine, a long recovery period, and possible damage to adjacent vertebrae. This is why many medical professionals are exploring the benefits of mechanical spinal devices that provide stability without reducing mobility.
Thank you for reading. We hope this article has provided some helpful insights into back pain treatments and the options that are open to you if you are experiencing lower back pain and other symptoms.