Low back pain can generally be treated without surgery. Treatment for back pain involves using analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back, and preventing recurrence of the injury. Most people with back pain recover without functional loss. Contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in back pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care.

Following are methods used to treat back pain:

Ice and heat. Although the use of cold and hot compresses have never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals. Following trauma, apply a cold pack or a cold compress (such as a bag of ice or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) to the tender spot several times a day for up to 20 minutes. After 2 to 3 days of cold treatment, they should then apply heat (such as a heating lamp or hot pad) for brief periods to relax muscles and increase blood flow. Warm baths may also help relax muscles. Avoid sleeping on a heating pad, which can cause burns and lead to additional tissue damage.

Bed rest. Bed rest is recommended for 1 to 2 days at most. Bed rest alone may make back pain worse and can lead to secondary complications such as depression, decreased muscle tone, and blood clots in the legs. Resume activities as soon as possible. At night or during rest, lie on one side with a pillow between your knees, or rest on your back and put a pillow beneath your knees.

Exercise. Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. Maintaining and building muscle strength is particularly important for persons with skeletal irregularities. A doctors or physical therapist can provide a list of gentle exercises to help keep muscles moving and speed the recovery process. Back-healthy activities may include stretching exercises, swimming, walking, and movement therapy to improve coordination, develop proper posture and muscle balance. Yoga is another way to gently stretch muscles and ease pain. Any mild discomfort felt at the start of these exercises should disappear as muscles become stronger. However, if pain is more than mild and lasts more than 15 minutes during exercise, stop exercising and contact a doctor.

Medication. Medication is often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Check with a doctor before taking drugs for pain relief. Certain medicines (even those sold over the counter) are unsafe during pregnancy, may conflict with other medications, may cause side effects, or may lead to liver damage.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find tips and resources on back pain causes and risk factors, back pain symptoms, types of back pain, and back pain treatment and care at http://backpain.myguidesusa.com