An effective treatment for a majority of back pain problems is ice, which helps reduce muscle inflammation. He recommends using ice packs in the first three to five days following an injury and avoiding heat treatment during that time. Drug treatment for back pain includes the use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Juhn notes that is important to take the required dosage of these medications to ensure their effectiveness. In some cases, physicians may prescribe muscle relaxants, which help relieve muscle tension.
Manipulation is another possible treatment method.
Juhn notes that this may be helpful for some people during the first two to four weeks following injury. Yet Juhn cautions patients to avoid becoming dependent on such treatment. Taking an active role in recovery from back injury is one of the best ways to treat and prevent back problems. Inactivity can lead to dysfunction in injured areas and a loss of strength. You can help your back more than your doctor can by keeping your body moving.