Up to 25% of the adult population experiences chronic lower back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s one of the most common chronic conditions and typically affects individuals aged 30 and above.
Did you know you can avoid getting surgery and escape extensive medication prescriptions by opting for alternative treatments for your back pain? Here are a few options for you to consider.
Yoga and Pilates
We typically associate low-impact aerobic exercises such as yoga and Pilates as relaxing techniques only used in meditation. However, this isn’t all that the two are effective for. Not only do they also significantly increase your flexibility and improve your range of motion, but they also help in reducing back pain.
The stretching techniques used in Pilates and yoga are extremely effective in alleviating chronic low back pain. Studies have also shown that this form of exercise can help you avoid surgery as well as pain medication if performed regularly. Pilates, in particular, helps in strengthening your core muscles and can even help in preventing low back pain in addition to treating it.
Massage Therapy
Another great way to reduce stiffness and tightness of the muscles in your lower back is through massage therapy. It alleviates the back pain, restores and improves function, and helps you avoid heavy dosages of pain medication you’d otherwise need.
In one study, participants who had back pain were given massage treatment once a week. Each treatment session lasted for approximately an hour. The results showed that after 10 weeks, more than 1 in 3 participants who had received this treatment had reduced pain. In addition to that, they were also more active.
Massage treatment also provides long-lasting results. This makes it an excellent alternative to traditional medicine.
Acupuncture
We’ve all heard of this ancient practice of inserting thin needles to release muscle tightness, but does it really work for back pain? Research has shown plenty of evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic lower back pain.
Acupuncture stimulates specific trigger points that help in lowering and even eliminating pain and stiffness. It’s particularly useful for treating nerve-related back pain or muscle spasms. Patients typically feel instant relief after a session, which can last for up to a few weeks. Regular sessions with an acupuncturist can help alleviate your lower back pain in no time!
Contact Our Staff in Toronto!
Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute is a leading sports medicine and physiotherapy clinic based in the greater Toronto area. We offer a range of alternative medicine services including sports massages, Pilates, acupuncture, physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, medical injection therapy, foot pain podiatry, and neck and shoulder pain treatments.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
