An estimated four in five people suffer low back pain at one time or another. From herniated discs to chronic arthritis, the causes of that pain vary, but one thing remains true: You deserve treatment that works.
Although spine surgery is the best option for some people, it’s far from the only option. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics is dedicated to helping you find real relief with a variety of practical back pain treatments tailored to your needs.
If you have low back pain, we might recommend:
Posture is the way you hold your body when you stand and sit. Poor posture, like slouching, puts extra pressure on key points of your spine — and it can cause back pain over time.
Improving your posture can have a positive effect on your pain, and small changes can make a big difference. If you spend long hours on your feet, choose supportive footwear, and lift your shoulders up and back. If you sit at a desk, choose a structured chair, and elevate your screen so it’s at eye level when you sit up straight.
Chronic back pain can make your usual routine challenging. Pay attention to the activities that make your back feel worse, and take steps to minimize them. Our team can help you find safe ways to modify certain activities or use assistive devices, so you can stay active with less pain.
If you feel sore after being active, take time to rest. We may recommend 10-20 minutes of heat or ice therapy to help reduce pain. Heat can relax tight muscles, and ice can reduce inflammation and swelling.
Physical therapy is a structured treatment, designed to address the cause of your low back pain. Physical therapy helps you gain strength, improve your posture, and navigate daily life with less pain.
In the office, your physical therapist guides you through exercises to build strength in your back and core to alleviate pain. We may also prescribe stretches and exercises for you to do at home. A simple stretching routine can make a big difference for many back pain sufferers.
We often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, or other types of medication for our patients with acute low back pain.For many people, medication offers temporary relief, so they can focus on other treatments to manage pain more effectively.
We work closely with you throughout treatment in an effort to minimize side effects and ensure the medication is having its intended effect.
Depending on the cause of your low back pain, we might recommend spine injections. These targeted treatments administer a steroid, a numbing medication, or both into the precise area causing pain. Types of injections for back pain include: nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and nerve ablations, and treatment can block pain signals from reaching your brain.
When your back hurts, you need practical, personalized advice to start the healing process. Come to Manhattan Orthopedics to get a diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s right for you. Request an appointment online, or call the office nearest you today.
