Essential remedies to alleviate back pain related to old age

Aches all over the body are quite normal when your body starts to age, and spines are the worst affected that give rise to acute back pains. The spine vertebrae that stretches from the neck to the tail bones suffer degeneration in most of them when they reach the age of fifty. Spinal stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, and degenerative changes in joints and discs are the main reasons that affect the health of the spine while ageing. The spine that is a column of 24 bones linked by small joints called facets and discs can undergo degeneration due to loss of moisture, disc degeneration, thickened ligaments, or arthritic facet joints. Though the condition is not curable, there are many ways of alleviating the aches with home remedies, complimentary as well as medical treatments. The following section briefs you about various treatment methods for back pain.

General remedies for back pain

Back pains are generally associated with severe inflammation or pressure on nerves or acute aches. These inflammations can be alleviated by following some simple therapies at home or hospitals with the help of your doctors or physical therapists. Some of the general remedies that are typically followed are:

Stay active

Staying active is the best remedy for reducing chronic back pain, according to some of the best spine specialists. The patients who are suffering from back pains are prescribed exercise programs by the physical therapists that can strengthen the back and abdominal muscles and thus bringing back balance and flexibility.

Pain medications

Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and acetaminophen are some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines typically given to relieve pains.

Heat and Ice packs

Ice packs are the best first aids that are recommended for patients initially. Apply ice packs intermittently to relieve the muscle spasm as well as inflammation. The ice pack treatment is followed by heating pad therapy. This may involve taking a bath in warm water or lying under heat lamps. The procedure greatly improves blood flow and relieves muscle pains.

Rest

Ageing related back pain needs proper rest. But be careful of overstretching rest beyond 48 hours as the prolonged rest can sometimes slow the recovery process.

Medical treatments for back pains

Back pains can turn extremely persistent and painful that may need immediate medical attention. Various invasive treatments and rehabilitation can make back pains less painful. Injecting steroids to spinal nerve roots or facets are the most common medical treatment to alleviate acute pains. There are treatments like radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulators, which involves diverting pain signals from reaching the brain. Surgical treatments such as minimally invasive lumbar decompression or Kyphoplasty are advised for patients suffering from ligament tissue overgrowth and spinal fractures, respectively.

Complementary therapies such as Acupuncture or Osteopathic manipulation can relieve pain for many patients who seldom heal from conventional treatment.