Treatment for Back Pain

A june 2010 article by Associated Press medical writer Laureen Neergaard sheds light the problem of back pain in America. In the article, entitled "Back Pain May be Widely Over-Treated in the US.," she brings up some tough questions about how we're spending our healthcare dollars, what we're getting for it and why.

By one recent estimate, Americans are spending a whopping $86 billion a year on treatment for painful backs - from MRIs to pain medications to nerve blocks to acupuncture. That research turned up little proof that the population improved as the bill increased over the past decade.

Ms. Neergaard's writing scores a hit, and the scenario she wrote about is probably familiar to anyone who tried to find relief from persistent back pain, within the past few years. But what are the implications of this article if you or someone you care for is a back pain sufferer seeking relief.

Here is a quick summary from some of the more important pointsin Ms. Neergaard's article.

1) While back pain in general is a widespread problem in the U.S., every specific case is unique There is no one catch all ltreatment -- the treatment that was useful for your neighbor may not be right for you. Your health care specialist has to diagnose your symptoms and advise you on the effectiveness of alternative treatments.

2)Time is usually in the patient's court when it comes to back pain. As many as 90% of patients will recover on their own within a matter of weeks. Therfore, unless your healthcare provider notes "red flag" symptoms, patients should generally exhaust their noninvasive options first before considering surgery.

3)Exercise is a valid form of treatment, but it must be the right exercise. Formal exercise programs that are designed and supervised by experts can be useful so long as the patient is able to manage and function with pain.

4)Individual motivation and attitude make a difference in
effectiveness of treatment. Patients who can work through pain, stay focused on the plan and return to normal activity as quickly as possible will usually do better in the long run.

5)Make sure you have access to a neutral thrid party (perhaps your chiropractor or family doctor) who can help you weigh the advice of various specialists and navigate through your choices. And all alternative treatments are failing, and surgery is being considered, always get a second opinon if surgery is being considered.