Recommending Non-Drugs for Lower Back Pain
The American College of Physicians recommends, that instead of medications or surgery for low back pain of any etiology, the use of spinal manipulation or any non-invasive and non-drug therapy is a more appropriate and a safer alternative. This is based on an updated clinical practice guideline that the same body previously issued in 2007. Jointly, the ACP and the American Pain Society issued three recommendations as guidelines to all practitioners who treat patients with LBP (lower back pain).
The first recommendation targets patients with acute to subacute LBP that generally resolves over time even without treatment or regardless of treatment. Any one of these modalities can be selected: superficial heat treatment, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation. Should drugs be necessary, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) or skeletal muscle relaxants can be prescribed.
As for the moderate cases of LBP, strong recommendations include exercise, multidisciplinary rehab, acupuncture and stress reduction. Other modes have low quality evidence, but nonetheless highly recommended: tai chi, yoga, motor control exercises, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation.
The joint bodies last recommendation pertains to the use of drugs as LBP treatment. It says that only if the above therapies have failed to achieve the results, patients can consider drug treatment, as NSAIDs for first-line, Tramadol or Duloxetine as second-line, and opioids if the other drugs fail and only if the benefits outweigh the risks. This recommendation is weak, but evidence-based quality is moderate. The use of drugs must be in conjunction with adequate patient education, active lifestyle and self-care.
Chiropractic Relief Available in Lynnwood
While a host of modalities are available to suffering patients of low back pain, it is good to know that the knowledge and experience of chiropractic professionals in Lynnwood can well guide you to a non-drug solution for lower back pain.