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The current average life expectancy in the United States is 77.7 years; the Centers for Disease Control reports that the health of the nation continues to improve on every front except one—pain. In particular, back pain is an increasingly common concern as Americans grow older.

Also on the rise are unnecessary and often ineffective back surgeries. In fact, 90% of all lower back pain cases do not require surgery, which often means that most back surgeries are completely avoidable(1). Despite this fact, Americans spend up to $986 million every year in unneeded back surgeries(2), 53% of which are unsuccessful in relieving pain(3).

Treatment for back pain can often be a confusing and exhausting process. In many cases, patients must visit multiple offices in search of medical care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and/or chiropractic care. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center uses a different approach; by offering multi-disciplinary treatment plans that include all of these treatments working in accord, patients are granted a stress-free, unified, and effective pain management and rehabilitation process for back pain.

Medical Care for Back Pain

Physiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain. This type of physician begins treatment with the most conservative methodology possible.

Physiatrists (specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) act as the head of a team of practitioners in creating customized treatment plans for back pain. Strategies to relieve pain and increase functioning will often include a comprehensive physical therapy program; acupuncture; spinal manipulation; and spinal decompression traction.

In some cases, back pain is severe enough to make rehabilitation practices impossible. Surgery is generally considered the next possible option. Physiatrists, however, do not view surgery as the next logical step. Instead, this type of physician will first consider a number of minimally invasive procedures to avert surgery and alleviate pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections, for example, are sometimes used when back pain impedes the healing process. Epidural Steroid injections involve the injection a long-lasting steroid (cortisone) into the epidural space. The goal of this treatment is to lessen pain and inflammation so that patients can return to normal activity and begin rehabilitation programs.

Acupuncture and Back Pain Relief

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that can be an important part of the pain management and rehabilitation process for back pain. Acupuncture helps by decreasing the stimulation of nerve signals that cause pain by helping with the release of serotonin (serotonin interrupts pain signals before they can reach the brain). Acupuncture also prompts the release of naturally occurring endorphins in the body, which act as natural painkillers to reduce patients’ need for painkilling medications.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Physical therapy for back pain can help to reduce pain, increase mobility and functioning, build strength, and help patients avoid future back pain issues. Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center offers a number of physical therapy techniques to alleviate the causes and symptoms of back pain.

Physical therapy for back pain or other ailments may include any of the following treatments:

• Spinal Decompression Traction;

• Ultrasound;

• Electrotherapy;

• Ice and Heat;

• Power Plate Technology;

• Low Level Laser Therapy;

• Massage; and

• Active Rehabilitation (Exercises).

The Chiropractic Approach to Back Pain

Chiropractic care is especially relevant in the relief of back pain in that it is concerned with the central nervous system, which is made up of both the spine as well as the parts of the body responsible for pain (the nerves and the brain). By ensuring total spinal health, chiropractic care enhances the body’s ability to heal itself as well as function at its absolute best.

Chiropractic is a drug free, hands-on approach to reducing pain and restoring mobility. Chiropractic care for back pain has two main goals: to realign the spine to reduce pain and inflammation, and to increase motion in the joints of the spine to re-establish normal movement and functioning.

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center uses a number of chiropractic techniques for back pain, including traditional chiropractic as well as a revolutionary practice known as Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP). This higher level of chiropractic incorporates a comprehensive and scientific approach to achieving total spinal health, including a release from inflammation and pain associated with back pain.

To learn more about Medical Care, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, or Chiropractic Care for back pain in Monmouth County, contact our office today.

1 Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
2 National Institutes of Health
3 SICOT, The World Orthopaedic Organisation