A large percentage of the population today suffers from back pain of some sort. Almost everyone will suffer back pain at some time in their life. Our back is made up of vertebrae, joints, disc, muscles and ligaments. Each on of these parts have a role to do in our. If we injury one or more of these parts, we feel pain and will need some sort of back pain treatment. Often our muscles or ligaments get sprained or strained from improper movement, sudden movement or even over use. The discs in our back can also get sprained, which may cause them to swell and rub against a nerve. Any of these situations may cause severe pain.

The type of back pain treatment we get for back pain depends on the amount of discomfort we’re in and the severity of the pain. Acute sudden pain or low back pain will often require bed rest the first day as well as ice for the first three days. A sudden onset of pain is usually the result of a fall, car accident or some sort of trauma. You may also feel like your back popped out of joint or snapped. Medical research has determined that after the first few days, part of your back pain treatment should to be as active as normal.

For chronic back pain that comes on slowly or lasts for months and i more of a dull pain, the back pain treatment that is usually recommended is heat and if that fails to work, then ice. It’s important to remember to use ice for acute back pain and heat for chronic back pain.

If you have been seeing a doctor for two weeks and have not seen improvement, a physical therapist will be recommended as part of your back pain treatment. Often your doctor will give you a prescription to see a physical therapist, but you may also choose to go on your own. The type of back pain treatment you have is ultimately your decision. The physical therapist will do an evaluation at your first visit to determine your history as well as the location and type of back pain you are experiencing.

The back pain treatment the therapist gives you will vary on the pain, but may include the use of ice, heat, relaxation stretches, massage and possibly ultrasound and electric stimulation. You will also be given a list of things to do at home such as specific exercises and a list of things to avoid doing.

How you sit on a chair or lay in bed will affect your back. Your therapist will show you the best way to sit, bend or lay down. You may have to learn correct methods to prevent further back problems.