Healthy Body Weight:
Obtain and maintain a healthy body weight to decrease the stress on your spine. This can be accomplished through a healthy diet and exercise, but some people may need medical or surgical assistance. Please ask your primary care physician if you need help with weight control.
Regular Exercise:
Engage in regular exercise (vigorous walking, swimming, bicycling, elliptical training, etc.) to release endorphins (your body’s natural pain killers) and increase blood flow. This will substantially decrease your pain and speed recovery of the injured tissue.
Avoid Smoking:
Avoid smoking, which has been associated with accelerated spine degeneration.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Take non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed. These are excellent medicines for musculoskeletal (including Spinal) pain. These can be purchased at your local store or pharmacy depending on if they are over the counter or if they are prescription strength. Two over the counter medications are commonly available (NAPROXEN and IBUPROFEN). It is safe to use generic or store brand medications. Ibuprofen can be taken three times daily. Naproxen can be taken twice daily. The medications are generally safe but can cause stomach ulcers bleeding or kidney problems with some patients. If you have concerns regarding the side effects, please refer to the product label and check with your primary medical doctor.
Non- Prescriptive Pain Medications:
In addition to the anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, which is generic for Tylenol, is a very good pain medication. It can be purchased at your local store. You do not need a prescription. It is generally very safe but can cause liver problems if taken in excess or in people with underlying liver disease. If you have concerns regarding the side effects, please refer to the product label and or check with your primary medical doctor.
Avoid Narcotic Pain Medications:
In general, it is best to avoid narcotic pain medications, which can lead to dependence/addiction and have been associated with increased sensitivity to pain with long term use.
Azalea Orthopedics spine team is respected throughout Texas. Our group of surgical and non-surgical spine experts stand ready to get you on the road to recovery. Don’t live with back or neck pain, schedule an appointment today and let us customize a plan that works for you!
