Nearly 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point during their lives. Back pain affects all types of people, working in all types of industries. Surprisingly, more than half of the people with lower back pain don't have physical jobs; they have desk or office jobs. This statistic proves that it's not only activity that can hurt your back, it's inactivity as well. If you suffer from chronic or periodic back pain, you may need a variety of treatments, including medication and/or physical therapy. However, there are many reasons why you should pay particular attention to physical therapy and natural treatments.
New Study Regarding Pain Medications
A new study has linked NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, with a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. The study shows that people who take the medication have a 20 to 50 percent increased chance of having a cardiovascular event. The risk is highest during the first month of use, but it doesn't go away entirely.
Exercise Decreases Pain, Increases Mobility
Exercise and physical therapy increase core strength, which has been shown to decrease pain and increase mobility. While moderate, long-term exercise produces the best results, passive physical therapies, such as ultrasound therapy, are also effective. Stretching is vital for relieving stiffness and increasing range of motion. Physical therapies are only recommended for patients who do not have muscular weakness as the result of a pinched nerve.
Physical Therapy Less Risky than Surgery
Physical therapy is just as effective and less risky than surgery for certain types of back pain, such as lumbar spinal stenosis. A study showed that participants -- half of which had surgery while the other half went through physical therapy -- received the same relief from both methods. However, 25 percent of those who had surgery suffered complications whereas only 10 percent of the physical therapy group did.
Addiction and Long-Term Pain Medication Use
Long-term use of certain pain medications can lead to addiction and abuse. An estimated 2.1 million people in the United States have substance abuse issues as a direct result of taking prescription pain killers. To avoid addiction, most doctors recommend using painkillers in moderation and for a short period of time only.
As you can see, there are many reasons why you should limit your medication usage and rely on exercise and physical therapy to alleviate your pain. If you must use medication, don't rely on it alone. Even a little activity will help immensely. To learn more, contact a company like The Pain Management Group.
