Posts made in September 2023

Four Effective Treatments for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain commonly affects a significant fraction of the population worldwide. It can be debilitating, drastically reducing the quality of life and impeding daily activities. Today, there are several types of back pain treatment in Orange Park, FL. In this article, we will highlight some of the most effective treatments for managing and easing lower back pain to help you recapture your life.

 

Physical Therapy

 

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to alleviate lower back pain. Pain management clinics tailor a physical therapy treatment program to suit your level of pain, agility, strength, and fitness. It should entail various exercises, including core strengthening and stretching activities, to improve flexibility, posture, and muscle tone.

Physical therapy takes an integrative and long-term approach to managing back pain, and it can foster personal responsibility for patients to understand their condition better and work to maintain their health and wellness.

 

Epidural Steroid Injections

 

Patients with severe pain can get relief from epidural steroid injections. These injections, administered by a medical professional, target the inflamed nerves generating pain signals. The steroid composition of the injection helps to reduce inflammation and block pain receptors, ultimately decreasing or eliminating lower back pain. Epidural steroid injections can relieve pain for up to a few months, providing an opportunity for other long-term solutions.

 

Nerve Blocks

 

Nerve blocks are a type of pain management that involves injecting an anesthetic near the affected nerves that cause pain. A nerve block aims to disrupt pain signals to the brain by blocking pain receptors, providing not only pain relief but also a chance to improve mobility and engage in previously challenging activities like walking, running, and other physical activities that were previously unbearable.

Medical professionals selectively administer and monitor nerve blocks after determining the proper procedure that suits your unique back pain.

 

Medication Management

 

Medication management is an effective way of treating lower back pain in patients experiencing chronic pain. The medication prescribed, usually NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), is a class of prescription drugs that reduce inflammation and pain, ultimately decreasing back pain. A qualified medical professional should manage this treatment method to avoid adverse side effects from drugs.

Three Types of Peripheral Neuropathy Treatments

Millions of individuals who suffer from peripheral neuropathy know the discomfort and pain it can cause. Nerve damage can impact your everyday life, from your cognitive abilities to even your balance. The good news is that if caught soon, it is possible to treat neuropathy and ease the symptoms. In this blog, we’ll explore the three types of neuropathy treatment in Jacksonville, FL, that patients can benefit from.

 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

 

The most accessible types of treatment for neuropathy are over-the-counter solutions. Over-the-counter medical aids such as painkillers and topical creams can minimize symptoms like pain, burning sensations, and irritation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can prevent inflammation and pain when taken regularly.

Topical painkillers can help to ease symptoms of neuropathy in a targeted area. Additionally, some over-the-counter supplements may aid in reducing nerve pain. Supplements such as alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, and gamma-linolenic acid have all shown some ability to reduce symptoms.

 

Prescription Treatments

 

In cases where over-the-counter treatments do not reduce symptoms enough, prescription medications may be necessary. Four FDA-approved prescription drugs, duloxetine, pregabalin, eribulin, and tapentadol, are available to manage neuropathic conditions. Prescription drugs treat nerve pain by improving nerves and the brain’s ability to communicate and control pain signals.

With prescription medications, you must carefully monitor interactions with other medications and doses. That’s why, before taking any medication, it is essential to have the advice and approval of a medical expert.

 

Therapy Treatments

 

Physical therapy is amongst the most successful methods to treat neuropathy. Physical therapy increases muscle strength, improves balance, and enhances overall mobility. Massage therapy can minimize stiffness, tension, and muscle spasms. Chiropractic services offer adjustments that help to relieve nerve pressure and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture has also been shown to minimize nerve pain and improve nerve signal transmission.

In conclusion, understanding the different treatments available for peripheral neuropathy is vital. Pain management is achievable, and quality of life can be recovered through medications and therapy.