In addition to medications and applications of heat or cold, there are a number of other therapies used to treat back pain.

Doctors often recommend physical therapy during the first few weeks after pain begins. Physical therapy generally starts with low-impact exercises such as swimming, bicycling, or walking, because they put little stress on the back. As time passes, the physical therapist is likely to introduce conditioning exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles.

Physical therapists can also teach proper posture, sleeping positions, and lifting techniques to help reduce discomfort and prevent future bouts of pain. Click here to learn more about these important topics.

Occupational therapists work closely with physical therapists to help people learn to adapt the way they move and perform both job functions and household tasks.

Acupuncture involves placing small needles into specific points on the body. It is believed that this triggers the body to release endorphins, natural pain-reducing chemicals. Many people with back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve the pain, and some studies have shown that it can be effective in treating some types of chronic pain.

Massage therapy, yoga, and other techniques for reducing stress can help relieve pain as well. Click here for more information on stress management.

A procedure called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sends a weak electrical current through points on the skin to the nerve pathways. This is thought to interrupt the pain signals and prevent them from reaching the brain. TENS is painless, but it doesn’t work for everyone and isn’t effective for all types of pain.

Chiropractic therapy is generally more effective in relieving acute pain than in treating chronic pain.

The basis of chiropractic treatment is manipulation, a technique in which the chiropractor manually moves a joint slightly beyond its normal range of motion to increase its mobility. Manipulation may also be used to stretch a contracted muscle to relieve a spasm.

A qualified and experienced chiropractor can usually identify which joints are causing the pain and manipulate them effectively. Some other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, are also trained to use manipulation.

Other therapies that have been used with varying degrees of success to relieve pain include spinal traction, trigger point injections, facet joint injections, and biofeedback.