MEDICAL TREATMENT
The worst time of my life was when I fell prey to the degeneration of the L4 and L5 in my spinal cord. It is associated with the spine where the disc, joints and the soft tissues are affected. Not many people are aware of this problem. My body had become a bit curved. I used to pop around 36 pills a day. I could not even work because of my physical condition and was bed ridden for six months. — Mouni Roy, actor
Medication: Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used.
Antidepressants: such as amitriptyline may be prescribed, but research is ongoing as to their effectiveness, and the evidence is conflicting.
Physical therapy: Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation - as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain. As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help. The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence.
Cortisone injections: If other options are not effective, these may be injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug. It helps reduce inflammation around the nerve roots. Injections may also be used to numb areas thought to be causing the pain.