First Aid For Your Back

Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified, Salem, Virginia spine surgeon with over two decades of experience. He specializes in procedures including robotic spine surgery, microsurgical lumbar surgery, disc arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery, and more, serving the greater Roanoke, VA area. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact our office.

Whether you’re suffering from chronic pain or you are dealing with an acute injury, try these first aid methods at home to relieve your pain.

Pain medication
There are two main types of medications that can be helpful for relieving many types of back pain – acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

1. Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) works by blocking the brain’s perception of pain. It can be very effective, and has little chance of any side effects.
2. NSAIDs work by limiting inflammation, which is often at least partially responsible for back pain. There are different types of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (such as Advil, Motrin or Nuprin), naproxen (such as Aleve or Naprosyn), and the newest class, COX-2 inhibitors, (such as Celebrex). This last type requires a prescription and is easier on the stomach lining than other NSAIDs.

Ice/Heat therapy
Muscle strain is a major cause of back pain. Placing an ice pack on the area shortly after the occurrence of pain (within 48 hours) can help. After 48 hours, switch to heat either with an electric heating pad or taking a hot shower/bath.

Stretching
Stretching should include the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the back and around the spine, as well as your hamstring muscles (in the back of the thighs). For patients with chronic back pain, it may take weeks of stretching to get results, but the increased amount of motion gained can provide noticeable and long-term relief. To be most helpful, stretching exercises should be done twice a day.

You can’t prevent back pain from ever occurring, but we hope these tips and reminders will help you stay as healthy as possible. If you experience consistent or severe back pain that requires the attention of a spine specialist in Roanoke or Lexington, please call Dr. Leipzig at 540-725-9770 or ask your physician for a referral to Virginia Spine Care.