Other than chiropractic, what are the medical alternatives for treating chronic back pain?

Question

Note: I respect chiropractic and understand that it can help for maintance of minor back pain/discomfort. I know this because I occasionally see a chiro for my back, and the adjustments feel good and clear up mild back/neck pain.

But a friend of mine has very severe back pain, and has had this for a long time. And although chiropractic has offered some relief, even after numerous visits, the pain has not diminished and continues to persist. So I'm curious to find out, what other alternatives are there for individuals with severe, chronic back pain? (other than simply popping pain killers, of course)

Acupuncture is out of the question, as insurance wont cover this service for them.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Obviously he needs an x-ray and scan of some sort. If he has no insurance for the MRI, he needs to make sure it is simple pain and not causing any muscle weakness which may be permanent (his DC probably told him about this).
He needs to start an exercise program. Some massage would help as well. He can also take fish oil tablets, a general multivitamin, and maybe magnesium tablets.
The exercise program can include crunch situps (start with 3 times 20 and build up from there). Pushups if he can do them, or even against a table to make thtem easier, always 3 times as many as he can comfortably do.
Also do a stretch where he lays on his back with his heels up close to his butt. Lift the hips of the floor three times as long as he can without too much pain. Take a break in between - this is great.
I love dips with my back against a chair and my legs straight out in front. They do a great job of stretching and strenthening the back. Biking to work and back is also great as well (1/2 hour a day). Ibuprofin also works well for the short term. Wish him best luck.

Answer 2

I don't know whether your friend has had any diagnostic work done, but I'm assuming he or she has and they have not identified a specific cause that would suggest the need for surgery or other medical procedure.

Most people with chronic back pain have trouble getting a specific diagnosis.

Chronic back pain is very complex, so it's hard to pinpoint any one thing that is likely to make a difference by itself. It's great that you're looking for alternatives rather than just taking medication, which again, isn't the one big answer.

Your friend will need to try to put together a comprehensive pain management program that addresses the pain and all the other problems that can go with it: depression, anxiety, stress, frustration, decreased physical conditioning.

This is not an all inclusive list, but I'd suggest the following:

1. Learning and consistently using some relaxation or meditation techniques. I specifically suggest what's called "body scan meditation." Buy your friend the bood Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, it talks about this and a lot of other issues related to chronic illness.

2. A progressive, paced, consistent exercise program. This can include walking, water aerobics, swimming, and yoga. For yoga the instructor should be willing to adapt for someone with back pain (I've never met one who wasn't more than happy to help).

3. If there is not a specific diagnosis that precludes it, massage therapy. If cost is an issue, look for a massage school that has a clinic.

4. Alternating hot and cold packs.

There are other things of course, but the idea is for your friend to have a set of tools he or she can use at different times to help manage pain, and also to help them lead a fuller life that is not dominated by chronic pain.

There are more resources at the site below, and also some links to other sites and resources.

Best of luck to your friend

Barry Hughes, Ph.D.

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com

Answer 3

Check here a very effective Sciatica Natural Treatment ( http://cure-sciatica.info )
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica.

Answer 4

Have had this. I continued with the muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen in large doses) and pain medication (but used only tylenol as time went on). I also went to physical therapy. What seemed to help the most was continuing the exercises recommended by the physical therapist at home for increased back muscle strength to support the aching back. I also started walking. Slowly at first and then over the weeks, increasing it to 30 minutes and walking faster and then up to one hour. The warm muscles from walking seem to decrease the pain and eventually, one year later, I am pain free with no lifting restrictions. I never went to a chiropractor during the entire time. That was a personal choice of mine. One other thing, sleeping position is important - on either side with pillow between the knees to keep the spine straight and getting up and walking around hourly. Sitting for long periods of time weakens back muscles and allows them to stiffen up. Hope some of this helps.

Answer 5

Hello!


Im familiar with your situation, I’ve had back pain long ago.

Yet, I was able to say bye-bye to the pain, and now im living a healthy life (at least its back pain free :-).

Since then I’ve made my personal web page about my experiences and useful back pain treatments.

I don’t want to fill a lot of space here with my writings as there are many ways to relief the pain,

so I would recommend you to visit my site and read the detailed ebook I wrote.

And don’t worry, there is no any catch, you can read all pages online or even download it for free.

I hope you get better, and love to hear about you!

Take care!

Stephen G. Mitchel

Answer 6

Yoga exercises and heat and massage. I pulled my back out weeding from a standing position and I heard and felt it pop; the pain was unbelievable and I was unable to stand up at all and had to lie on the floor; my Mom said to lie down in front of the couch and hook my legs over it in a "Z" position; it was very uncomfortable but the vertebrae did fall back into place after doing this a few times.

Answer 7

it depends on why your friend has back pain.

Physical therapy may be an option, exercises to strengthen the back.

if this is an extreme case, your friend may have to resort to surgery, something I'd only recommend as an absolute last resort.