Back Pain

When should you seek treatment for back pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits in the United States. In fact, it accounts for billions of dollars of lost wages for working Americans and lost productivity for employers.  

Some back pain will resolve itself with rest and an over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If your back pain goes away after trying this for a day or two, you do not need to see a doctor.

However, if your back pain does not resolve after several days, gets worse, or returns after you go back to your daily activities, then you should seek treatment from a professional at Evia Medical Center.

How do you treat back pain?

Evia Medical Center takes an integrative medicine approach to back pain treatment. This means that an interdisciplinary team takes various approaches to your care, including the use of prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as holistic treatments such as acupuncture, relaxation, and exercise.

When you take an active role in your own treatment, such as taking yoga and/or meditation classes, following an at-home regimen of back stretches, and other suggested therapeutic options, your outcome will be significantly better and your recovery will be faster.

Can acupuncture treat back pain?

The American College of Physicians and the National Institute of Health endorse the use of acupuncture for managing chronic low back pain. In fact, it is considered to be one of the best alternative non-drug treatments for back pain.

During acupuncture, your professionally licensed Evia Medical Center acupuncturist will insert tiny sterile needles into specific points along your back. There’s usually little or no pain. The needles remain inserted for approximately 30-60 minutes.

Most people with chronic back pain need to have several weekly acupuncture treatments to feel significant, and possibly permanent, pain relief. Your team of practitioners at Evia Medical Center will determine how many treatments may be necessary, depending on your condition and the severity of your pain.

Acupuncture cannot fix whatever structural issue may be causing your back pain (such as a slipped or herniated disc), but it can provide noticeable pain relief.

Don’t let back pain keep you from work, family, or other activities you enjoy. Call Evia Medical Center in Smithtown, New York today, and learn how the team of physicians and acupuncturists can help alleviate your back pain.