In most cases, the first approach to treating
back pain depends on whether the pain is chronic (long-lasting) or acute (sudden). Cases of acute back pain typically resolve on their own without treatment. If your pain has lasted longer than three months, however, treatment is recommended.
Doctors nearly always recommend nonsurgical back pain treatments before anything else. Options generally include:
- Hot or cold packs
- Exercise
- Medications
- Devices
- Behavioral modification
- Injections
- Complementary and alternative therapy.
If several of these methods fail, then surgery will be considered.
(Click Back Pain Treatment for an in-depth look at the options listed in this article, with information on the pros and cons, expected results, and evidence on their effectiveness.)
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