Most of the spinal problems are caused by bad posture, muscle imbalance, faulty body movements, inflammation and injuries. Hunchback, slipped disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, spondylitis, herniated disc, scoliosis, etc. are some of the common problems associated with the spine. If ignored, they can aggravate your discomfort and pain, and also cause permanent damage to your spine.
There are various treatment options for spine problems usually based on the type and cause of the condition. Treatment is aimed at pain relief, inflammation reduction and restoration of strength and normal activity. One or more of the following therapies may be used:
1. Medications
Medications do not treat the cause of the spine condition. Nevertheless, they are commonly prescribed to provide symptomatic relief and restore function. Painkillers or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help reduce pain and swelling. Using compression packs - either hot or cold - may help to lessen the pain in some cases. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax the muscle. In some cases, an epidural steroid injection may be used for inflammation.
2. Exercise and physiotherapy
You need to be physically active as much possible in the early stages of sciatica. Temporary rest may provide some pain relief. But being as physically active as possible is encouraged. Walking and stretching exercises may be advised. Exercise is the mainstay of most spine problem treatment plan. It stimulates the production of natural painkilling chemicals called endorphins. Regular exercise will also help to strengthen the back muscles and create better posture and flexibility. The better-distributed weight places less force on the spine. There are many different variations of exercises to target the back muscles.
Physiotherapy is a non-drug option that can provide relief from inflammation and pain. A physiotherapist directs some exercise or physical activity to combat pain and other symptoms. Physiotherapy can also help heal an injured back.
3. Spine manipulation
Spine manipulation, done by a qualified and experienced professional, is a non-surgical chiropractic technique for a slipped disc. The pressure on the nerves and the pain around the spine are eased by applying a controlled force to a spine joint. Also, read Treatment options for slipped disc.
4. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
In TENS, a small electrical current is applied through the skin to critical nerve points. It helps control pain in some people.
5. Traction
Traction is an adjunct therapy used along with other treatment modalities to manage cervical spondylitis. It is recommended when the spinal disc becomes protruded due to compression and damages the spine. Weights and pulleys fastened around the compressed area are used to generate an external force directly on the area. It helps relieve pain from its roots by reducing compression on the spinal discs. It also helps to relieve muscle spasms.
6. Surgery
Surgery is usually the last option for spine problems. It is advised when there is a pain even after conservative treatment. The presence of paralysis or bladder dysfunction, spinal disc damaged and compression of the nerves are the other conditions when surgery may be recommended. It is done to correct the defect causing the pain. The damaged disc, in part, or in whole, is surgically removed, and the spine may be fixed with screws and metal plates if a whole disc is removed. Surgical options are discectomy, laminectomy, fusion surgery, etc. Latest advances use small, minimally invasive opening to perform the operation.
In disc replacement surgery, a relatively new operation, the compressed and degenerated disc is removed and replaced by prosthesis.
7. Alternative therapies
Back pain originating from spine problems can be tackled with a holistic approach.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda addresses the root cause of spinal ailments and hence the results are better than surgical procedures. The therapies are directed towards relieving the inflammation and herniation, releasing the muscle spasms and nerve compressions, nourishing the spine, strengthening its supportive tissues and rehydrating the discs. In Ayurveda, modalities like Agnikarma and Siravedha are supposed to give instant relief from sciatica pain.[1]
Yoga
The regular practice of yoga helps you become flexible and correct your posture. There are some yoga asanas which work specially on spine and help relax the tight muscles, reduce the tension and strengthen them. Marjaryasana or cat stretch can help to stretch the spine, strengthen the torso, beat lower back pain, and provide a gentle massage to the nerves exiting the spinal column. Vasisthasana or side plank pose can help reduce the angle of primary scoliotic curves.[2]
This ancient science is a natural remedy for cervical spondylosis. It helps relieve stress and bottled-up tension in the spine. You can try these yoga poses to relieve the symptoms of cervical spondylitis. But make sure to practice under the guidance of a trained instructor.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic noninvasive treatment that promotes natural healing. During the procedure, ailments or conditions are addressed by inserting fine needles in particular points in the body which stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, brain and the spinal cord. This Chinese medical system has been touted as effective in dealing with spine problems like slipped disc. It is effective for pain relief and functional improvement in chronic low back pain.[3]
Reiki
Reiki is an ancient Japanese energy healing practice that facilitates self-healing of the body and mind through gentle, non-intrusive touch and compassionate intention. This practice relaxes muscles, calms the mind and eases pain. Reiki therapy may be effective for pain and anxiety.[4] Read Reiki for cervical spondylosis.
References
1. Vaneet Kumar J, Dudhamal TS, Gupta SK, Mahanta V. A comparative clinical study of Siravedha and Agnikarma in management of Gridhrasi (sciatica). Ayu. 2014 Jul-Sep;35(3):270-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.153743. PubMed PMID: 26664236; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4649569.
2. Fishman LM, Groessl EJ, Sherman KJ. Serial case reporting yoga for idiopathic and degenerative scoliosis. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Sep;3(5):16-21. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2013.064. PubMed PMID: 25568820; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4268609.
3. Furlan AD, van Tulder M, Cherkin D, Tsukayama H, Lao L, Koes B, Berman B. Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain: an updated systematic review within the framework of the cochrane collaboration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Apr 15;30(8):944-63. Review. PubMed PMID: 15834340.
4. Thrane S, Cohen SM. Effect of Reiki therapy on pain and anxiety in adults: an in-depth literature review of randomized trials with effect size calculations. Pain Manag Nurs. 2014 Dec;15(4):897-908. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2013.07.008. Epub 2014 Feb 28. PubMed PMID: 24582620; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4147026.
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