Back pain treatment with low-level laser therapy (or cold laser) helps to desensitize irritated nerves which reduces pain and can lead to a sustained reduction in nerve irritability. It also releases the spasms of the tight muscles like a release of trigger points. The anti-inflammatory effect produced by laser therapy also provides the site of pain an opportunity to repair tissue and thus improve mobility.
It is important to note that laser therapy / Medical Acupuncture is not addressing just the symptoms but also the causes of back pain. The American College of Physicians has recently included cold laser in their clinical guidelines to help patients with chronic low back pain. The therapy cannot reverse any physical damage of bone, tendon, nerve and other related structures but mainly play a role in the anti-inflammatory effect and healing effect.
LLLT / Acupuncture Treatment
Common Known Conditions
Disc Bulges/Herniation
Muscles Spasms/Tightness
Sciatica
Loss of Sensations in legs due to Nerve Impingement
Post-Surgery Healing and Faster Recovery
Overview
Fortunately, measures can be taken by you to prevent or relieve back pain. If prevention does not work, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics can often help cure your back within a few weeks and keep it working for the long run. Surgery is rarely needed for the treatment of back pain.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor or miss work and it is also a leading cause of disability all over the world. Most people are affected by back pain at least once.
Causes
Back pain can begin suddenly and last less than six weeks. This is known as acute pain.This back pain may be caused by a fall or heavy lifting. Back pain that lasts more than three months is known as chronic pain. It is less common than acute pain.
Back pain often develops without a specific reason. Conditions commonly associated with back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain
Continuous heavy lifting or a sudden inconvenient movement may cause a strain on back muscles and ligaments of the spine. If your physical condition is poor, continuous strain on your back may lead to painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or ruptured disks
Disks act as cushions between the bones or vertebrae in the spine. The soft material present inside a disk can bulge or break and press on a nerve.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. Sometimes, arthritis in the spine can cause narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This condition is called spinal stenosis.
Skeletal irregularities
You can experience back pain if your spine curves abnormally. Scoliosis is a condition in which your spine curves to the side. It may also lead to back pain. But this generally happens only if the scoliosis is severe.
Osteoporosis
If your bones become brittle or porous your spine’s vertebrae may develop compression fractures
Risk factors
Anyone including children and teens can develop back pain. Research is still required to prove what leads to back pain. However, the factors given below might increase the risk of developing back pain:
Age
Back pain is more common as your age increases. It starts around age 30 or 40.
Lack of exercise
Weak muscles in your back, which are not used might lead to back pain.
Excess weight
Having too much weight adds extra stress on your back.
Diseases
Certain types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.
Improper lifting
Using your back rather than your legs can cause back pain
Psychological conditions
People suffering from depression and anxiety seem to have a greater risk of back pain.
Smoking
This can restrict your body from providing enough nutrients to the discs in your back.
Prevention
You may be able to avoid back pain or prevent it from occurring again by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
Exercise
Regular low-impact aerobics particularly those that do not strain or jolt your back can increase strength and endurance in your back and enhance the functioning of your muscles. Walking and swimming are exercises for your back. Discuss with your doctor about which activities will be best suited for you.
Build muscle strength and flexibility
Exercises that involve abdominal and back muscle also known as core-strengthening exercises help condition these muscles so that they function together like a natural corset for your back. When your hips and upper legs are flexible, your pelvic bones are aligned. This helps improve how your back feels. Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest exercises that will best suit you.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight puts an increased strain on the muscles of your back. If you’re overweight, cutting down your weight can prevent back pain.
Use proper body mechanics
Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your position frequently, at least every half-hour.
Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight — no twisting — and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Symptoms
- Signs and symptoms of back pain may include:
- Muscle ache
- Pain with a shooting or stabbing sensation
- Pain that radiates down along your leg
- Restricted flexibility or range of motion of the back
When To See a Doctor
- Most back pain improves slowly with home treatment and self-care, usually within a span of two weeks. If not, visit a doctor.
- In rare cases, back pain can be an indication of a serious medical problem. Seek immediate medical care if your back pain:
- Leads to a new bowel or bladder problems
- You also have a fever along with back pain
- You experience it after a fall, blow to your back or other injuries
Contact a Doctor
Visit your doctor if you start having back pain for the first time after age 50, or if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse.
- Is severe and doesn’t show any improvement with rest
- Spreads down along one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
- Leads to weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss