What Can You Do About Back Pain?

QUESTION: It would seem that I have lived a life plagued by frequent and
recurring bouts with back pain. I barely bend over to perform the smallest
task and I can feel it go out, and know I am at war again. So it's back to
pills and liniments. What else is there that can help? I would appreciate
any suggestions.
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ANSWER: You have read it before, and here I go again. Each case is
individual, and the treatment strategy must fit the circumstances. But here
is a general list of things that can be done and a personal recommendation for
you. First there are oral medications: muscle relaxants, analgesics and
anti-inflammatory agents. They help, but rarely can correct the situation
alone. Next, physical measures: bed rest, massage, heat, corsets and braces,
and exercise. More help, but each must be used appropriately as part of a
complete program. Another treatment, injected drugs: steroids, local
anesthetics only offer temporary relief that is short lived.
Counter-stimulation may be used, employing electrical nerve stimulation to
overcome the pain broadcast by the nerves in the injured muscles. A bit
controversial, and costly. Last, but by no means least in my book, education
and behavior modification: In clinics specializing in these injuries, a team
approach may bring you some new information that will aid you in preventing
injury, and dealing with it when it does occur. A specific program of
exercises that restore the strength to back muscles, increase flexibility, and
help adapt to the tasks you may have in your daily living, in the last
analysis, may be the way for you to escape a life time of repetitive and
frustrating "battles".