Low Back Pain : Available Treatments

Abstract

Low Back pain is an endemic problem. The majority of adults have at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetimes. Many cases of acute low back pain resolve within several weeks of treatment methods, but in cases with patients with sciatica require surgery. Despite the frequency with which this condition is presented to physicians, there is wide range of possible treatments that are available for patients diagnosed with low back pain such as typical Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, or by Dr. Sarno's treatment by stimulating other ideas to distract the mind. Each of these treatments has its own beneficial results according to the patient's conditions. The experience of seeing a loved one going through pain for the last several years, unable to work and perform daily routines as well as loss of senility and lack of motility is disheartening. For a long time of trying all alternative treatments available in hope to cease the pain and improvement, the problem was still not cured. In the case of sciatica like my Mom, surgical treatment is the resolution. Gaining from my own experience, if I would have known there was a treatment without medication, which involves an understanding of how the mind and body can interact to solve the pain problems, I would help my Mom throughout her time of having low back pain and possibly we would not have needed a surgical treatment. Thus, for those having acute low back pain, I would strongly recommended first treating oneself by reading Dr. Sarno's books such as Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, The Divided Mind, or The Mindbody Prescription. Although traditional Chinese medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic are highly recommended sources for help, being able to understand the source of pain and changing the focus of attention from the body to the psyche, is an act of taking away the purpose of pain. It is my hope that this paper provides essential information for patients with low back pain in how to reduce the pain. Low back pain is a problem that almost all of us will have to experience at sometimes in our life whether is due to physical injury or internal factors; it is a battle for many patients.