Has back pain ever affected you? If so, then you are well aware how devastating and debilitating the condition can be. Back pain stops everything: working, playing and even sleeping.

Back pain can make it impossible to get comfortable, and life can essentially come to a standstill. Fortunately, finding effective ways of treating back pain is now easier than ever before.

Over 65 million Americans report some sort of back pain every year. This condition is so common that it's actually become one of the primary reasons that people seek medical care.

Obviously, back pain causes extreme discomfort. It's also highly inconvenient. Work is disrupted, family commitments are missed and everyday activities are put on hold. Some patients find that they can't take part in their favorite recreational activities and sports, because the movements simply place too much stress on their backs. Others live with such intense pain that the simplest tasks, like standing and sitting, become impossible feats.

Recent advances in medical research, science and technology have brought about many new treatment options for people who suffer with chronic back pain. Every method has different ways of tackling the pain, and every patient is unique, so it's important to get the advice of a doctor before treating back pain.

Here are some of the more common back pain treatment options:

Medicinal Treatments

A wide variety of drugs are now available to treat various symptoms and causes of back pain. These medications include pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and relaxants to ease muscle tension and spasm. Some of these drugs are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Many of these medications can bring about side effects, so be sure to consult your doctor before taking any of them.

Here are some common back pain medications:

* Acetaminophen is a common classification including Anacin 3, Tylenol, Phenaphen, and Valadol

* NSAIDs are Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, including Aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen and Ketoprofen

* COX-2 Inhibitor: Celecoxib

* Opioids, including Morphine and Codeine

* Muscle relaxants: Valium, Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine

Chiropractic Therapy

This popular and effective form of back pain treatment requires manual manipulation by a professional chiropractor, therapist or other qualified health professional. The therapy is believed to help relieve back pain by taking pressure off sensitive neurological tissues, thus restoring and increasing blood flow. Chiropractic therapy is also useful in treating back pain as it triggers a series of chemical reactions in the body, and releases endorphins and other natural pain killing hormones.

Epidural Injections

This "passive" method of treating back pain is applied directly to the individual. Steroid medications are injected into the spine. As the drugs travel throughout the entire spinal column, inflammation of the affected area is decreased and the patient enjoys welcome pain relief.

Massage Therapy

This is a therapeutic form of treatment that's often used for patients with lower back pain. Through manual manipulation of muscles, it is believed that massage helps to improve the blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness and increase the range of motion. Massage can also help trigger the body to release natural painkillers, such as endorphins.

If you have been living with back pain, it's no longer necessary to give your life over to your discomfort. Today's new treatments offer several pain relief options. Speak with your doctor about the treatment method that can bring the relief you need.