In this article we take a look at the three most controversial back pain treatments or solutions according to Doctor Mehmet Oz. You will probably know the Dr.Oz name, he first got a start on The Oprah Winfrey show around 2004 and now hosts his own show, the ingeniously titled Dr.Oz Show!
Without further ado let’s see what the good doctor has to say about controversial back pain treatments.
Without further ado let’s see what the good doctor has to say about controversial back pain treatments.
1. Back Surgery – Unresolved back pain sends more than 500,000 Americans into the OR for major surgery each year. Not only is back surgery one of the most expensive procedures, but critics also call the operation overly invasive, citing statistics that surgery may be a temporary fix at best and can also cause complications that involve nerve damage and even more pain.In most cases, back surgery is NOT the best solution for back pain. In fact, time is often the best antidote since 90% of back pain heals within a few weeks.When it comes to back pain, many doctors order tests immediately, but this can lead to unnecessary treatment since images can be misleading. For instance, a spine with a bulge can indicate sciatica (back pain and shooting leg pain), but it can also simply show natural degeneration of the spine, which does not actually cause pain. Physicians should abstain from ordering X-rays, MRI or CT scans for at least 6 weeks to see if the pain resolves on its own.
2. Finally, 1 in 5 people who undergo back surgery will need another operation within a decade. Of course, there are times when surgery is absolutely necessary, but it should not be your first course of action. Most acute back pain – especially garden-variety lower back pain – will go away on its own; the tincture of time is usually the best medicine.
3. Steroid Injections – Steroid injections have become an increasingly popular option for treating lower back pain. Typically, they are injected into the epidural space between the vertebrae and protective covering of the spinal cord.While they can help temporarily reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve (which causes pain that radiates down the leg), steroid shots are overused and there is little evidence that they work for lower back pain. What’s more, there are serious risks associated with steroid injections – often due to damaging the dural sheath that protects the spine – including headaches, increased pain and, in severe cases, paralysis.
4. Chiropractors- While many folks in the medical community dismiss chiropractors as too alternative or ineffective, nearly 60% of people suffering from back pain claim they get badly needed relief from this kind of treatment.Over time, chiropractic treatments for back pain may make a difference and are just as effective as pain medication. The difference, however, is that painkillers don’t eliminate the problem – they just cover up the symptoms, whereas, spinal realignment, which forms the foundation of chiropractic care, can get to the root cause and fix an irritated nerve.Many people worry that if they see a chiropractor once they’ll have to go back forever. However, there are many kinds of chiropractic care, and some cases can be treated in as little as 1-2 sessions. Often, the first phase of chiropractic care is to get you out of pain, while the second phase is to correct the problem, such as learning exercises.
Considering this man is a practitioner of modern medicine I have to say I was a little surprised by items 1 and 2 on that list but there are certainly some valid points for the ‘against’ in there. Points that are well spoken of in the ‘non-traditional’ medicine world.
So what does Dr.Oz see as the best treatment method or solution for back pain?
So what does Dr.Oz see as the best treatment method or solution for back pain?
1. Physical Therapy-Based Exercises – To avoid back pain, you need to prevent muscle atrophy. Try these physical therapy-based stretching and strengthening exercises. Do them at least three times a week or even every day.Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back with hands at your sides. Using your elbows, raise your hips. This helps reduce stiffness and strengthens your stomach and gluteal muscles.Side Knee: Remain lying on your back. Straighten your left leg out, then hook your right foot over the left knee and roll over. Then take your left hand and push it down on your right knee. This exercise helps open up your lower back muscles.
2. More Tips From Dr.Oz -To keep your back pain at bay, be sure to stay hydrated.When sitting for long periods of time, make sure to get up frequently and walk around. Sleep on firm mattress and bolster a pillow under your knees to take the pressure off the lumbar spine. If you’re a side sleeper, place a small pillow between your knees; the space helps take pressure off the SI joint that lies at the junction of the lower spine and pelvis and often causes lower back pain.
