Clinical trials are ongoing to identify which pain management methods are the most successful in the treatment of back and neck pain. Patients should consult their physician if they have any queries about a particular program.
Physical therapy, for example, is non-invasive and does not necessitate the use of drugs. Some pain treatment techniques, such as pain pills, are merely pharmacologic in nature, while others, such as injections, require intrusive procedures.
Non-drug, non-invasive pain management
Back pain and neck pain can be treated using a wide range of noninvasive, non-drug pain treatment approaches. The following are a few of the most widely used in complete pain management programs:
- An exercise is a form of physical exercise aimed at increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion. The program includes water therapy, stretching exercises, cardiovascular routines, and a range of other activities. It’s possible that active, passive, and resistive elements are all present. Exercise is necessary for cardiovascular health, disc nourishment, and musculoskeletal health.
- Manual procedures entail exerting force to the joints, muscles, and ligaments to manipulate the affected areas. There is some evidence regarding the effectiveness of various strategies.
- Behavioral modification refers to the application of behavioral techniques to improve a patient’s response to back pain and other painful stimuli. Cognitive therapy is educating the patient on how to relieve back pain through relaxation, coping, and other approaches. For symptomatic relief, biofeedback entails learning to modulate muscle tension, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Cold and hot packs, ultrasound, and diathermy are examples of pain management modalities that should be used in conjunction with exercise.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most well-known kind of electrotherapy (TENS). TENS therapy uses low-voltage electric stimulation to engage with the sensory nervous system to try to alleviate back pain. The efficacy of TENS as a back pain treatment has been found to be either favorable or neutral in randomized controlled trials. A non-pharmaceutical treatment for pain.
While the idea of applying electricity to the body may appear to be uncomfortable, many people find it calming. TENS, for example, causes a tingling, vibrating, or buzzing feeling in the person.
The particular method through which electrical stimulation has a favorable effect is still unknown. Electrical stimulation has the potential to stop pain signals from being sent along nerves. Electrical stimulation has also been shown to increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Side Effects of Electrotherapy
The adhesives in the electrodes or the tape that holds them in place produce skin irritation or rash, which is the most prevalent side effect of electrotherapy. Electrotherapy can cause a burning feeling on the skin if used too often. Directions for the length of therapy should be carefully followed to avoid a problem.
Placing the pads over the heart or pacemaker leads could result in cardiac arrhythmia, and placing them over a pregnant woman’s abdomen could result in fetal harm. People with pacemakers and pregnant women, in particular, are urged to avoid electrotherapy.
