From the Guidelines
For home treatment of back pain, prioritize nonpharmacologic treatments with proven benefits, such as superficial heat, massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1. Here are some key points to consider for home treatment of back pain:
- Apply superficial heat for 15-20 minutes several times daily to help reduce pain and discomfort 1.
- Consider massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation as nonpharmacologic treatment options for acute or subacute low back pain 1.
- For chronic low back pain, exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation may be beneficial 1.
- If pharmacologic treatment is necessary, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants may be considered for acute or subacute low back pain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol, or duloxetine may be considered for chronic low back pain 1.
- It is essential to maintain good posture, use proper body mechanics when lifting, and stay active with low-impact activities like walking or swimming to help manage back pain.
- If pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by leg weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel problems, seek medical attention immediately.
From the Research
Home Treatment for Back Pain
Some studies suggest the following home treatment options for back pain:
- Exercise and cognitive intervention 2
- Advice on managing back pain 3
- Manipulation, such as chiropractic care 3, 4
- Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries 5
- Acetaminophen or oral NSAIDs for mild to moderate pain 5
- Muscle relaxants for acute low back pain 5
Important Considerations
It is essential to note that the effectiveness of these treatments may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition causing the back pain 3, 6. Additionally, some treatments, such as opioid medications, should be used with caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional 5.