Back pain treatment

Acupuncture focuses on correcting imbalances of energy flow caused by trauma, medication, stress or other conditions. This technique is a safe alternative and has been helpful for some people with chronic low back pain. Acupuncture uses the insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body to restore health and improve overall function and well-being.

Acupuncture is offered at the Sewall Healthy Living Center at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

• Stretching
  Stretching is a type of exercise that helps keep your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. This is important because it helps your joints move better. Doing gentle stretching exercises can make you more flexible, reduce muscle tightness, and help with back pain.

• Tai chi
  Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art form that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Regular practice can improve balance, reduce tension and increase joint flexibility, and can also help decrease high blood pressure, anxiety and arthritis pain.
  
  Tai chi is available at the Sewall Healthy Living Center at Sharp Coronado Hospital and the Sharp Allison deRose Rehabilitation Center at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

• Yoga
  Yoga helps you relax, build core strength, and keep your body properly aligned. It has been studied for its benefits in helping with chronic low back pain.
  
  Yoga is available at the Sewall Healthy Living Center at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

Heat helps relax muscles, while ice reduces inflammation. Our team guides you on when and how to use heat packs or ice packs for optimal results.

Relieve your back pain with over-the-counter options like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium before seeking prescription medications. Be sure to consult your primary care doctor before starting any new medication.

• Proper body mechanics
  - Avoid bending and twisting — learn techniques to protect your spine during daily activities
  - Lift properly — get guidance on safe lifting techniques
  - Posture awareness — maintain good posture to prevent strain on your back

• Weight management
  If you have trouble managing your weight, we can help your reach your wellness goals in an effort to reduce the strain on the back and improve back pain. Always consult with your health care provider before starting any weight management program.
  
  Weight management programs are offered at Sharp Coronado Hospital and select Sharp Rees-Stealy medical centers.

• Sleep
  Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. If a sleep disorder is disrupting your life, talk to your doctor about a referral to a Sharp-affiliated sleep medicine specialist.
  
  Sleep medicine services are offered at the Comprehensive Sleep Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Massage therapy promotes health and well-being, enhances the body's own restorative powers and can be beneficial for stress relief, headaches, muscle strain and in dealing with other chronic conditions.

Massage therapy is available at the Sewall Healthy Living Center at Sharp Coronado Hospital.

Early referral to physical therapy plays a crucial role in back pain management. We can refer you to skilled physical therapists who will design personalized exercise programs to strengthen your back and improve flexibility.

Physical therapy programs are available at the Sharp Allison deRose Rehabilitation Center at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Coronado Hospital, Sharp Grossmont Hospital and select Sharp Rees-Stealy medical centers.

Cortisone injections can provide targeted pain relief by reducing inflammation around affected nerves or joints. These injections can be helpful for pain related to herniated disc when surgery is not an option. Our skilled doctors provide these injections safely and effectively.

TENS therapy involves applying low-voltage electrical currents to the skin, which can help reduce pain and improve muscle function.

CT scans offer cross-sectional views of the spine, allowing your care team to assess soft tissues, discs and nerves.

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic test performed by a neurologist to help your doctor understand how well your muscles and the nerves controlling them are working. The test includes two parts, beginning with a nerve conduction study (NCS), followed by a needle EMG. Some common conditions diagnosed or ruled out with an EMG include nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve root problems such as a herniated disc, and muscle and motor neuron disorders such as muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

MRIs provide high-resolution images of soft tissues, including discs, ligaments and spinal cord.

X-rays provide detailed images of bones and can help identify fractures, degenerative changes or alignment issues.