Back Pain Treatment & Management Methods for You
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Needing back pain relief is never a walk in the park. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. It can keep you frozen. In one position. On the couch. Inside. Desperately trying not to move a muscle lest you poke and prod the back pain beast.
That’s why getting some back pain relief – and fast! – can feel so urgent. We’re here to help. Whether it’s medication, pain management techniques or home remedies, we’ve gathered all you need to know about back pain treatments.
Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.1 At one time or another in their lifetime, most people will experience back pain. In fact, 92% of people will have back pain at some point.2
Some common causes of back pain include:
- Strained, pulled, or torn muscles
- Slipped, or bulging discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma after injury, like a fall
- Skeletal irregularities in the spine
- Infection
Back pain treatments can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the back pain you experience. Some treatments to consider are:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- At home treatments, like exercising, massage, heat patches, and ice packs
- Surgery
Back pain treatment
Back pain treatments can take many forms, depending on the type and severity of the back pain you experience. Some treatments to consider are:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- At home treatments, like exercising, massage, heat patches, and ice packs
- Surgery
Medications for back pain
Depending on the type of back pain you have and how mild or severe it is, you may want to consider taking medication. All of these work as lower back pain treatments and upper back pain treatments alike. In cases of severe, chronic back pain, your doctor may prescribe you a prescription medication. However, in other cases, over-the-counter medications may do the trick.
Topical pain relievers
Over-the-counter Topical Pain Relievers like Iodex UltraGel, Iodex Rapid Action Pain Relief Spray and Iodex Multi-Purpose Pain Relief Balm are applied to your skin over the affected area. Iodex UltraGel contains diclofenac, a powerful and effective NSAID, which is absorbed into the skin. Iodex’s range of topical pain relievers are targeted at the point of pain to beat aches and pains and speed up recovery.
Muscle relaxants
In some cases of mild to moderate back pain, over-the-counter pain relievers may not be enough to get you the relief you want (need!). Your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxants, as their name implies, relax your muscles so that they can heal. Muscle relaxants can make you dizzy and sleepy.3
Injections
For chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments, your doctor might recommend pain-relief injections. Injections should only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
Back pain treatment at home
In many cases, back pain management can take place at home, without consulting a doctor.
- Rest
Sometimes, all your sore back needs, is some good rest in order to heal. Lifting heavy objects, stress, sports injuries. All of these are likely culprits when it comes to back pain. Resting and refraining from these activities can give your back much-needed recovery time. So, kick back. And do…nothing! - Stretch it out
Stretches are great for both relieving and preventing back pain caused by muscle strains.4 Added bonus: you can even do them while sitting at your desk or watching TV. Some stretches are targeted for lower back treatment. Others are targeted for upper back pain treatment. Regular stretching routines, like yoga, can be helpful in preventing back pain, as well as treating it. Put together a stretching regimen that works for you and your pain. - Keep it cold
Applying ice to your sore back can help reduce inflammation. Be sure to wrap your ice pack (or bag of frozen veggies – that works too!) in a thin towel before applying it to your skin. - Mind your posture
Bad posture is a big contributor to back pain5 – whether it’s slouching in a chair at dinner or rounding your shoulders to see a phone/computer/tablet screen. Check in with yourself periodically throughout the day to make sure your hips are aligned under your shoulders and that your shoulders are properly rolled back. - Wear good shoes
Wearing supportive footwear provides a good base for carrying around your body weight and maintaining healthy posture. If you experience back pain, it’s advised to keep your heels to under 2.5 centimetres. - Keep it warm
Heat can help muscles relax, reducing back pain. Whether you use a hot water bottle at home or go the indulgent route and sit in a hot tub, relaxing your back muscles can help healing. - Exercise
Being inactive can make back pain worse. Light exercise increases blood flow to the injured area, speeding up healing.6 When your pain subsides and you feel you can, get in some light exercise. Go for walk. Swim a few lengths in a pool. Do some yoga. Anything low impact should do the trick. Just remember to go at your own pace and listen to your body. If you feel intense or shooting pain at any time, dial it back. - Massage
Therapeutic massage can help with back pain relief. Massaging the affected area of your back can relieve pain and restore functionality.
If you are struggling to cope with and manage your back pain, or if it is long lasting, then you should visit your doctor. Your doctor will examine your back and ask you questions about when you started to feel back pain, where the pain is, if it feels better or worse at certain times and whether you have had it before. Together you will put together a back pain treatment plan.
Your doctor may refer you for further tests to determine the cause of your back pain. Your doctor might also share advice on how to relieve your back pain and may recommend pain relievers, the use of heat or ice, and light exercise such as walking.
Iodex products for back pain relief
If you have back pain, Iodex may be just the relief you’re looking for. Iodex has a number of products suitable for relieving back pain, especially from strains or sports injuries – read the labels on the products and talk to your Doctor to find the right one for you.
Iodex products for back pain relief include:
How does Iodex work to relieve back pain?
Iodex UltraGel
Iodex UltraGel is clinically proven to shorten your recovery time7 and provide relief from back pain. Simple backache is generally attributed to internal inflammation of muscles. Iodex UltraGel contains diclofenac, which works by reducing chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. Its Emulgel technology helps the gel to penetrate deep through the skin to enhance delivery of the active ingredient, diclofenac, to the site of pain and swelling, making it an effective pain reliever.
Iodex UltraGel’s Emulgel formulation allows it to permeate the skin 7 times deeper,8 thus treating the pain at its root. Gently massage the gel into the skin of affected area, it penetrates and provides additional cooling and soothing effect at the site of pain and inflammation.
Iodex Rapid Action Pain Relief Spray
It is a unique blend of 5 active ingredients. They are known to penetrate the skin, reduce internal inflammation and provide targeted relief from back pain.
Iodex Multi-Purpose Pain Relief Balm
It is a power packed formula of 5 active ingredients – Gandapuro Tel, Nilgiri Tel, Turpine Ka Tel, Peppermint Satva and Lavanga Ka Tel. These ingredients are known to help provide a soothing relief from back pain.7
How to use Iodex for back pain
Iodex has a range of products for back pain treatment : Iodex UltraGel, Iodex Rapid Action Pain Relief Spray and Iodex Multi-Purpose Pain Relief Balm.
Using Iodex UltraGel
Using Iodex UltraGel for back pain couldn’t be simpler Here’s how to use Iodex UltraGel:
- Open your tube of Iodex UltraGel
- Squeeze out an amount ranging in size from a cherry to a walnut, depending on the size of the affected area.
- Gently rub into the skin above where you are experiencing body pain
- Apply Iodex UltraGel as indicated on the product label
As soon as your pain subsides, stop using Iodex UltraGel for back pain. If your pain and swelling do not improve within 7 days, or if it gets worse, please consult your doctor.
Do not apply to skin with conditions such as cuts, open wounds, or on skin that has a rash or eczema. Discontinue the treatment if a skin rash develops after applying the product.
A brace or non-sealed, breathable wrap or sports bandage commonly used for injuries like sprains can be used together with Iodex UltraGel, but do not apply Iodex UltraGel under occlusive (i.e. plastic, airtight, or watertight) dressings.
For further details regarding precautions to take when using Iodex UltraGel or other products, please read the FAQs below, or the product label and leaflet, and if in doubt consult your doctor.
How much Iodex UltraGel to apply to relieve back pain
How much Iodex UltraGel to apply depends on the treatment area. Anywhere between a cherry size to a walnut size amount of gel should be sufficient when you use Iodex UltraGel for back pain.
When you start feeling relief from back pain, you will be well on your way to experiencing the joy to pick up your favourite toddler for a hug, saying yes to tearing up a dance floor with much-missed friends, or even just sitting in your favourite chair putting a puzzle together. You will be on the path to regaining your shape and living pain free.
Explore Iodex’s products for pain relief
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Health, wellness & your pain
Pain is rarely just physical nor is it always solved by taking medicine alone. Iodex is your ally in helping you take more control of your pain journey, from the way to sleep, to what you eat, mental wellbeing and complementary pain relief therapies.
