Two out of three adults experience back pain at least once in their lives. Most back pain usually goes away with ice, heat or light activity. Other kinds of back pain require ongoing evaluation and targeted treatment.
Whether your back pain is acute (sudden) or chronic (continuous), doctors in the Sutter Health network offer a comprehensive range of science-backed, nonsurgical pain management treatments. With guidance and care from your healthcare providers, you can successfully manage your back pain for better quality of life.
Pain management treatments include:
- Basic first aid, such as heat or ice
- Light activity, including walking and gentle stretching
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Short-term medications, such as opioid painkillers or muscle relaxants
- Nonsurgical care, including spinal steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Physical therapy
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Diet programs
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Exercises, especially core stabilization, to strengthen back and trunk muscles
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Complementary therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic care and body work
- Counseling to help you learn stress-management and pain-control skills
Often, a combination of therapies offers the best approach. Talk with your doctor about which treatments meet your specific needs.
