Physical Therapy and Other Treatment Options

Physical Therapy

In addition to your drug therapy, your healthcare professional may suggest physical therapy, which targets your back muscles and tissues to reduce pain. A physical therapist may use various techniques and exercises, such as³:

• Cold and heat
• Ultrasound and muscle release techniques

There are also certain exercises you can do to³

• Increase your flexibility
• Strengthen your back and stomach muscles
• Improve posture

Continued use of these exercises may improve pain. They can also help keep the pain from coming back.^3,9

Cold and Heat Treatments

Cold and heat can help soothe sore and inflamed muscles. Apply cold first, and then heat. Alternate between the cold and the heat to best relieve pain. Ice packs or cold compresses should be applied several times a day. You can use them for up to 20 minutes at a time.⁹

Acute pain often responds better to cold. After pain and spasms subside, try using heat, too. Some sources of heat are the following³:

• Baths
• Compresses
• Heating pads

Like cold, limit heat to 20 minutes at a time. Always start and end with cold.³

Of course, you should always talk to your healthcare professional or physical therapist before beginning any of these or other treatment options.