Many people experience neck pain, and it is often experienced alongside other symptoms such as headaches and migraines. If the pain is severe, you might not be able to turn or move your head easily without excruciating pain.
Back pain can have similar problems, and it is a leading cause of disability in the United States and around the world. You may experience back stiffness and limited range of motion on top of the pain, truly interfering with your personal productivity.
Both of these conditions are usually based in the spine, and the pain may be caused by one or more of the following:
- Injury
- Muscle strain
- Tension
- Nerve compression (due to a slipped disc, etc.)
- Underlying disease
You may assume that surgery is the only solution, but the good news is that there are a number of non-invasive and minimally invasive nonsurgical treatments that often work well to quell the pain in the back and neck. Let’s talk about some of these revolutionary treatments, and where you can go in the Denver and Colorado Springs areas for outstanding neurological treatments that will address your back pain and neck pain for good.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Neck Pain and Back Pain
It is in your best interest to consider trying the following methods to relieve your condition:
Prescription-Strength Pain Relievers
If your back pain or neck pain is severe, your spine doctor might prescribe strong pain medication, such as muscle relaxants or specific types of antidepressants. The doctor may also recommend and administer corticosteroid injections directly into the area of the spine where the source of your pain is located. This type of pain relief calms down the nerve root, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
Temperature Therapy
Pain is usually caused by tissue inflammation, which you can greatly reduce by applying cold packs or heating pads to the area. However, be careful not to leave ice packs on for too long or too directly, as you may cause tissue damage (frostbite).
As long as you do not have swelling, you can also try taking warm showers or using a heating pad to provide relief to your aching back and neck. Again, do not apply a heating pad directly onto the skin, but rather cover it with a towel in order to prevent direct contact with the skin – thereby avoiding getting burned.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy does not comprise random exercises, but rather specific exercises and stretches that are tailored to treat your specific pain issue. Your doctor and physical therapist will craft a plan that includes exercises and treatment methods designed to relieve the pain emanating from your spine.
Your exercise plan might involve movements that are designed to increase your strength and flexibility, and thereby alleviate pressure on your spine. Patients who undergo physical therapy of the spine usually enjoy an improvement in their range of motion and significantly less back pain.
Back Pain and Neck Pain Treatment in Central Colorado
Don’t let your neck pain or back pain continue any longer. The experienced medical team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery is ready to help relieve your pain through different nonsurgical options that will work well to alleviate your condition.
We are here to serve you at our various locations throughout Central Colorado, including Aurora, Colorado Springs, Parker, and Lone Tree. Contact us today at (303) 790-1800 if you have any questions or would like to request an appointment. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner toward a more pain-free lifestyle!
