Depending on the cause of your back pain, you may be able to find relief without having to resort to drugs or surgery. Exercise, lifestyle modifications, and cold laser therapy are alternative ways to treat back pain without drugs or surgery.
Read further to learn how each of these nonsurgical, drug-free ways may help chronic low back pain subside and restore your freedom of movement.
Exercise to Relieve Back Pain
Exercises that strengthen your core can help reduce back pain, although consult your physician or a physical therapist beforehand. When starting any new exercises to relieve back pain, take it extremely slow to make sure you don’t aggravate any back problems.
Yoga, walking, and tai chi can be very effective in building core strength. To start, consider walking and aerobics while in a pool, which can be less painful and easier on your joints.
Consider knee-to-chest stretches, which help strengthen stomach muscles. Lie on your back on a flat surface and slowly bring one knee up to your chest. Hold it there for several seconds and then slowly return it. Repeat with the other side. Keep alternating for several repetitions.
Lifestyle Modifications to Help Ease Back Pain
One of the first modifications to do to help ease back pain is to become aware of your posture. When you slouch, pressure is placed on your spine. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, including while sitting.
Poor nutrition and diet can exacerbate back pain. Try to embrace a diet that is low in carbohydrates and processed sugars. Carrying an extra 10 pounds or more of weight, especially in your midsection, can strain your back, adding pressure on vertebrae and pulling the muscles and ligaments that support your back.
Do not become sedentary. Continue at least some light exercises to treat back pain without drugs or surgery (see above for suggestions).
Forgo the cocktails. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which may trigger constipation, muscle spasms, and kidney stress, all of which can lead to back pain.
Cold Laser Therapy to Alleviate Back Pain
Cold laser therapy provides affordable, convenient pain therapy to alleviate back pain. It uses penetrating wavelengths of light to boost blood flow and oxygenation and improve cellular function. It can be used to shorten the amount of time it takes to recover from a lower back injury and help alleviate chronic back pain. The LumaCare Duo makes it easy to target and treat back pain, with two rotating emitter heads and articulating arms that enable you to focus treatment directly where needed.
In this randomized trial, scientists found that cold laser therapy combined with exercise is more beneficial than exercise alone in the long term for treating chronic back pain without drugs or surgery. Cold laser therapy reduces inflammation and improves cellular recovery right at the source of your back pain.