10 Solutions for When Your Back Pain Just Won't Go Away

No one knows exactly what causes back pain, but it’s safe to say that it’s one of the most common health complaints in the world. In fact, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide—even more so than all forms of cancer combined! It doesn’t help that there are so many different potential causes and types of back pain, which makes it difficult to know where to even begin when it comes to finding relief from this relentless, painful condition. Here are 10 solutions for when your back pain just won’t go away.

1) See a Doctor

If your back pain is persistent, intense, or makes it difficult to do your daily activities, you should see a doctor. A diagnosis can help you understand why you’re in pain and how best to treat it. The good news is that in most cases, back pain goes away on its own within a few weeks—so don’t feel pressured to seek professional help if you aren’t yet ready. Instead, think of seeing a doctor as an option that can provide solutions if things don’t get better on their own.

2) Start Exercising

Exercise is one of your body’s best friends when it comes to relieving back pain. By increasing circulation and strengthening muscles, exercise can help alleviate pain and improve overall back health. Also try yoga or meditation to relax both mind and body, making your back feel more at ease.

3) Get a Massage

A physical therapist can give you a sports massage, which can relax tense muscles and reduce pain. If back pain is caused by muscle tension, get a massage to loosen those muscles. A good massage therapist will perform deep tissue work and trigger point therapy on problem areas. Of course, you don’t need to go to a spa or have a professional give you a rubdown—there are plenty of how-to videos online that show self-massage techniques.

4) Use Heat to Relieve Pain

Applying heat to your back can help soothe sore muscles and relax tense ones. Find a heating pad or warm towel that feels good on your skin, and use it whenever you’re experiencing pain. A heating pad or hot water bottle is best because you can control how hot it gets; be careful not to burn yourself, though!

5) Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on your body. In traditional Chinese medicine, these points correspond to meridians that transport qi, or life force energy. While it's not a cure-all by any means, acupuncture can be an effective way to find short-term relief from back pain. And because treatments are typically done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and relatively minimal pain involved, acupuncture may also help those who suffer from chronic back pain avoid resorting to invasive surgical procedures.

6) Get an Adjustment from Your Chiropractor

Research shows that your chiropractor can help treat back pain. Whether it’s a regular adjustment, acupuncture, or rehab exercises, chiropractic care may be able to help you relieve back pain and get you on your feet again. If you’re not sure what to do when your back pain just won’t go away, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend trying out a few different types of treatments in order to find one that works best for you.

7) Change Your Posture

Often, back pain can be traced to a poor posture. If you spend a lot of time slouching over your computer at work or hunching over in your car when you drive, it’s important to change your posture periodically throughout each day. While there are plenty of gadgets on the market that promise better posture, they might not always be necessary if you’re aware of your body as you go about each day.

8) Try Prescription Medication

If you’re suffering from moderate to severe back pain, it may be time to consider a prescription medication. Although pharmaceutical options can have serious side effects, they may also be just what you need to relieve your discomfort and get back on track. Be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any type of treatment; there are many different types of pills available, and some medications work better than others for certain types of back pain.

9) Try Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter medications can be a great option if you’re looking to get some quick relief from your back pain. These typically contain acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which may help with reducing inflammation in your back and providing a bit of pain relief. If these don’t work, you can also ask your doctor about prescription pain medication. As always, follow any instructions and consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.

10) Consider Surgery

There’s no doubt that surgery is a last resort in back pain treatment. But if non-invasive methods fail, it may be your best option to alleviate severe and chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about all of your options before making a decision you can’t take back.