Back pain is usually caused by a muscle or ligament injury, but there are other causes for this ailment such as improper lifting techniques, bad posture and muscle weakness. In order to prevent lower back pain and the more serious problems that come with it, you should see your doctor regularly. There are some medical conditions that can cause your doctor to prescribe pain killers and medication, so it’s important that you find out what your doctor’s recommendations are in order to determine which treatment is right for you.
One back pain treatment option your doctor may recommend is an epidural steroid injection. An epidural steroid injection is given by means of an injection pump that has the same effect as being injected with medicine. The process of giving an epidural steroid injection involves making small punctures into the back muscles and joints and the drug is then injected directly into the affected area. The medication blocks nerve impulses in the surrounding area and can help to reduce pain and improve your overall feeling of well-being. Because of the nature of an epidural steroid injection, you should have regular injections scheduled by your doctor and you should not start this treatment until your doctor recommends it.
Another treatment option your doctor may choose is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These types of drugs, however, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and can also slow down the healing process. Unlike an epidural steroid injection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not need to be administered by a physician. You will receive these injections at home and the medications should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. However, as with any type of medication, you should avoid taking NSAIDs if you are currently experiencing severe pain or swelling and if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.