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Symptoms > Arthritis Symptoms By Body Part > The Spine - Neck & Back > Ways to Prevent Pain and Get Around
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Ways to Prevent Pain and Get Around

Most back problems will never require surgery, injections or implanted devices; some may not ever require medications. For back pain, there are many remedies to try on your own or with a health professional either instead of or along with more invasive treatments. These can help relieve and prevent pain and make getting around a little easier.

Here are some remedies worth trying:

Physical Therapy. Taught or administered by a health-care professional called a physical therapist, physical therapy is a rehabilitation program focusing largely on exercise to strengthen the muscles in your back. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen a bad back, which can help prevent the recurrences of pain or help you recover from back surgery.

Massage therapy. Massage therapy is one of the most widely used therapies for back pain. Many doctors recommend it for their patients. Some have massage therapists working in their clinics. Although there are many forms of massage, the type most people are familiar with is Swedish massage, a full-body treatment that involves stroking or kneading the top layers of muscles with oils or lotions. Other forms of massage include:

• Deep tissue massage, in which the massage therapist uses fingers, thumbs and even elbows to put strong pressure on deep muscle or tissue layers to relieve chronic tension.
• Neuromuscular massage, in which the therapist uses his or her fingers to apply pressure to certain spots that can trigger pain in other parts of the body.
• Myofascial release, a type of massage that involves applying slow, steady pressure to relieve tension in the fascia, or thin tissue around the muscles.

Heat and Cold. Using heat and cold treatments, easy relief methods you can do at home, can temporarily reduce back pain and stiffness. Cold packs can numb the painful area and reduce inflammation and swelling. They are especially good for back pain caused by injuries. Heat, on the other hand, relaxes muscles and stimulates blood circulation.

Learn more about using heat and cold for pain relief.

Braces and corsets. Corsets are adjustable and made of elastic; braces are sturdier and have metal stays. Both are typically worn under clothing and have the same purpose: to reduce pressure on the discs, provide back and abdominal support and stabilize and restrict movement of the back during healing. They are often prescribed for short-term use during recovery from a fractured vertebra or some spine surgeries. For some people with certain conditions, including spondylolisthesis or scoliosis, braces may be prescribed longer-term to support the back and restrict movement.

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Pamela
27 Apr 2011, 22:24
NECESITO COMPRAR OSTEO-BI-FLEX
Y TRIGOSAMINE. FLEX ACTING

PERO ESTOY EN CHILE, ME PUEDEN INDICAR COMO CONTACTARLOS PARA COMPRAR ESTOS PRODUCTOS.
phillip
21 Apr 2011, 12:38
Several years ago , after suffering 2 simultaneous strokes , & being bed ridden for several months , I was barely able to move from my bed. My brother drove me to the hospital where I recieved a lower back x-ray & I was told I had arthritis in my lower spine. My question , is this? Other than walking or strectching , & walking in a pool, or take tylenol , what else may I do at home for this excruciating pain , & does cold affect arthritis?

Thank You
salwa hamouda
08 Apr 2011, 03:59
I have AO since 30 years ago and it is moderate in my Knee .
I want advice If I can take Injection Hylorinc acid and it is useful or not.

Thank you
REGINA ANGEL
23 Aug 2010, 10:12
I DO HAVE A SPUR IN MY NECK IN THE BACK AND ITS PINCHING A NERVE IN MY RT SHOULDER,, ALSO I HAVE A VERY WEAK LOWER BACK

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