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Conventional Treatment

Traditionally, rest and painkillers are prescribed for back pain. The popular solution had been to go to bed until it goes away. But this is the wrong way! The medical experts now say that the best path to recovery is the one that keeps you moving.

A physiotherapist may use mobilization techniques backed by ultrasound, laser, or heat treatment. If the problem is severe and there is no improvement after several weeks, X rays and possibly an MRI scan may be suggested. Treatment can include anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxant drugs, traction, a collar or surgical corset, painkilling epidural anesthetic injections, antidepressants, TENS or, in the case of a prolapsed disk, surgery.

Surgery

Back surgery is generally considered when pain is unremitting or getting worse. Surgery always entails a degree of risk; there is always the chance of permanent damage and impaired mobility. According to U.S. government data, only 1 percent of those who suffer from back pain appear to benefit from surgery.

Back surgery is useful only for problems in four broad categories: 

Disk displacement (a protruded or "slipped" disk). Painful (and abnormal) motion of one vertebra in relation to another. Narrowing of the spine around the spinal cord itself from overgrowth of bone (spinal stenosis). Some cases in which misalignment of one vertebra with another (spondylolisthesis) leads to pain.