Back Pain Treatments & Pain Management Methods
Back Pain Relief & Management Methods for You
Needing back pain relief is never a walk in the park. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. It can keep you frozen. In one position. On the couch. Inside. Desperately trying not to move a muscle lest you poke and prod the back pain beast.
That’s why getting some back pain relief – and fast! – can feel so urgent. We’re here to help. Whether it’s medication, or pain management techniques, we have gathered the information you need to know about back pain relief methods.
At one time or another in their lifetime, most people will experience back pain.
Some common causes of back pain include:
Strained, pulled, or torn muscles
Osteoarthritis
Trauma after injury, like a fall
Back pain management options can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the back pain you experience. Some options to consider are:
Medications
Physical therapy
At home treatments, like exercising, massage, heat patches, and ice packs
Depending on the type of back pain you have and how mild or severe it is, you may want to consider taking medication.
Anti-inflammatory tablets may be suitable for back pain relief. Voltaren Rapid contain the NSAID diclofenac. Make sure you read the label before taking tablets. That way, you can get back to the kind of movement that puts a smile on your face. Like bending down to take some yummy treats out of the oven.
Voltaren Gels are applied to your skin over the affected area. They contain diclofenac, an effective NSAID, which is absorbed into the skin. Voltaren Gels provide effective pain relief from acute soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, tendinitis and sports injuries.
In many cases, back pain management can take place at home, without consulting a doctor.
Rest
Sometimes, all your sore back needs, is some good rest in order to heal. Lifting heavy objects, stress, sports injuries. All of these are likely culprits when it comes to back pain. Resting and refraining from these activities can give your back much-needed recovery time. So, kick back. And do…nothing!
Stretch it out
Stretches are great for both relieving and preventing back pain caused by muscle strains.1 Added bonus: you can even do them while sitting at your desk or watching tv. Some stretches are targeted for lower back pain relief. Others are targeted for upper back pain relief. Regular stretching routines, like yoga, can be helpful in preventing back pain, as well as treating it. Put together a stretching regimen that works for you and your pain.
Keep it cold
Applying ice to your sore back can help reduce inflammation. Be sure to wrap your ice pack (or bag of frozen veggies – that works too!) in a thin towel before applying it to your skin.
Mind your posture
Bad posture is a big contributor to back pain2 – whether it’s slouching in a chair at dinner or rounding your shoulders to see a phone/computer/tablet screen. Check in with yourself periodically throughout the day to make sure your hips are aligned under your shoulders and that your shoulders are properly rolled back.
Wear good shoes
Wearing supportive footwear provides a good base for carrying around your body weight and maintaining healthy posture. If you experience back pain, it’s advised to keep your heels to under 2.5 centimeters.
Keep it warm
Heat can help muscles relax, reducing back pain. Whether you use a hot water bottle at home or go the indulgent route and sit in a hot tub, relaxing your back muscles can help healing.
Exercise
Being inactive can make back pain worse. Light exercise increases blood flow to the injured area, speeding up healing.3 When your pain subsides and you feel you can, get in some light exercise. Go for walk. Swim a few lengths in a pool. Do some yoga. Anything low impact should do the trick. Just remember to go at your own pace and listen to your body. If you feel intense or shooting pain at any time, dial it back.
Massage
Therapeutic massage can help with back pain relief. Massaging the affected area of your back can relieve pain and restore functionality.
If you are struggling to cope with and manage your back pain, or if it is long lasting, then you should visit your doctor. Your doctor will examine your back and ask you questions about when you started to feel back pain, where the pain is, if it feels better or worse at certain times and whether you have had it before. Together you will put together a back pain management plan.
Your doctor may refer you for further tests to determine the cause of your back pain. Your doctor might also share advice on how to relieve your back pain and may recommend pain relievers, the use of heat or ice, and light exercise such as walking.
If you have back pain, Voltaren may provide the pain relief you’re looking for. Voltaren has a number of products suitable for relieving back pain, especially from strains or sports injuries – read the labels on the products and talk to your pharmacist to find the right one for you.
Voltaren products for back pain relief include:
Voltaren Pain Relief Gel contains an NSAID, diclofenac, and you can buy it over the counter from your pharmacist or from your supermarket.
Diclofenac works by reducing substances in your body that cause inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Voltaren Pain Relief Gel works as an effective back pain relief.
The gel creates a reservoir of diclofenac when applied regularly, which provides a source of the active ingredient throughout the day for relief of pain and inflammation. The technology used in this product helps the gel to penetrate deep through the skin to enhance delivery of the active ingredient, diclofenac, to the site of pain and swelling, making it an effective pain reliever for back pain.
The technology is a unique combination of a gel and cream providing both a cooling and soothing effect to the skin.
Oral Tablets and liquid capsules
Voltaren Rapid tablets and liquid capsules contain diclofenac that helps relieve pain. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.
When you start feeling relief from back pain, you will be well on your way to experiencing the joy of picking up your favourite toddler for a hug, saying yes to tearing up a dance floor with much-missed friends, or even just sitting in your favourite chair putting a puzzle together. You will be on the path to regaining your joy of movement.
1“Stretching and strengthening are key to healing and preventing back pain” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/stretching-and-strengthening-are-key-to-healing-and-preventing-back-pain Accessed June 2020
2 Brumagne S, Janssens L, Janssens E, Goddyn L. Altered postural control in anticipation of postural instability in persons with recurrent low back pain. Gait Posture. 2008;28(4):657–662. Via https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966636208001100 Accessed June 2020
Pain is rarely just physical nor is it always solved by taking medicine alone. Voltaren is your ally in helping you take more control of your pain journey, from the way to sleep, to what you eat, mental wellbeing and complementary pain relief therapies.
