If you have severe lower back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. It can make it almost impossible to do anything, and you can only think about how much it hurts.

In the old days, they used to put a person on bed rest for a few weeks, or suggest operating on the back. Unfortunately, while doctors meant well, these suggestions were the worst possible ways to treat the severe lower back pain. The muscles atrophy and the body loses mobility. Now, there are different recommendations to treat lower back pain, whether severe or moderate.

Treatments Better Than Surgery

First of all, when the back begins to hurt it is wise to apply a cold compress to the back. This can reduce pain and inflammation, and help maintain mobility in the back. An easy way to do this is to use a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. This ice can be applied several times during the first day, for up to twenty minutes at a time. After a couple of days of cold treatment, heat can be used, like with a rice sack or heating pad. This treatment can relax the muscles and increase the flow of blood to the injured area, promoting healing. A warm bath can also be soothing.

Bed rest can be used, but not alone and not for extended periods. In studies, it has been found that continuing activities without bed rest after back pain can help the back maintain flexibility. Also, it was found that bed rest alone could make the lower back pain more severe and lead to other complications (like blood clots in legs, depression and loss of muscle tone). It is much better to get back to regular activities as soon as possible. At night or while resting, lie on one side with a pillow between the knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees.

Exercise! Particularly before it becomes severe lower back pain. Exercise will strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and that is the key. Generally doctors recommend stretching exercises, walking and swimming. Yoga can also help by stretching the muscles and strengthening the body. Usually, a bit of exercise is a great lower back pain treatment, but if the pain increases, stop exercising and consult your medical practitioner.

Many people find relief of moderate to severe lower back pain by visiting a chiropractor. A chiropractor is trained in the ways to adjust the body and manipulate the spine to fix misalignments that can lead to lower back pain.

Medicines are often heavily relied on to treat severe lower back pain. Sometimes, the medical practitioner will recommend a combination of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor to know that they are safe for you.

Common Drugs To Combat Severe Lower Back Pain

Analgesics (like aspirin or ibuprofen), are taken orally, and help reduce inflammation. Counter-irritants (applied as a spray or cream) stimulate the nerve endings on the skin to feel warm or cold, and dull the pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and help with blood flow. Antidepressants can be used to dull the pain and elevate the person’s mood.

Opioids – like codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine – should only be used for the most severe lower back pain, and only for a short amount of time, while under a doctor’s care. These have many side effects, making this less ideal for treating back pain than some other options.