Other Medications
Muscle relaxants and certain
antidepressants have also been prescribed for chronic
back pain, but their usefulness is questionable.
(Click Back Pain Medication for more information about the different types of back pain medication available.)
Traction as a Back Pain Treatment
Traction for back pain treatment involves using pulleys and weights to stretch the back. The rationale behind traction is to pull the vertebrae apart to allow a bulging disc to slip back into place. While some people experience pain relief while in traction, the relief is usually temporary. Once traction is released, the stretch is not sustained and back pain is likely to return. There is no scientific evidence that traction provides any long-term benefits for people with back pain.
Corsets and Braces as a Back Pain Treatment
Corsets and braces for back pain treatment include a number of devices, such as elastic bands and stiff supports with metal stays. These devices are designed to:
- Limit the motion of the lumbar spine
- Provide abdominal support
- Correct posture.
While corsets and braces may be appropriate after certain kinds of surgery, there is little, if any, evidence that they help treat chronic lower back pain. In fact, by keeping you from using your back muscles, they may actually cause more problems than they solve by causing lower back muscles to weaken from lack of use.
Behavioral Modification as a Back Pain Treatment
Developing a healthy attitude and learning how to move your body properly while you do daily activities -- particularly those involving heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling -- are sometimes part of the back pain treatment plan. Other behavioral changes that might help with back pain include adopting healthy habits, such as exercise, relaxation, and regular sleep, and dropping bad habits, such as smoking and eating poorly.
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