For a select number of injuries, there’s little a person can do other than protect the area and let healing run its course. However, for the vast majority of injuries, some effort on the patient’s behalf is required if we hope to experience the best results. The same can be said for most spine injuries. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at a few of the injuries that tend to heal just fine on their own, and which injuries would be best handled with active treatment or physician intervention.
Will My Back Pain Disappear?
The following are general guidelines, and it’s always recommended that you seek out a diagnosis from a professional if you want individualized tips or care instructions. With that in mind, here’s a look at a few back injuries that may go away on their own.
- Strains and Sprains – Mild and minor muscle or tissue strains may resolve on their own after a few days, but you should be conscious about how you go about your day in the meantime. Avoid physical labor or movements that could stress the area. More serious strains may require physical therapy or painkillers, but mild strains often heal well with rest and limited stress for a short period of time.
- Spasms – A spinal muscle spasm is another condition that may resolve on its own. Stretching and increasing your water intake can also help prevent spasming, but a spasm isn’t typically an issue that requires specialist intervention. However, if they become chronic or painful, bring them up to your physician or a specialist.
- Soreness – If you had a very physical or labor intensive day, the pain you may be feeling in your spine could be that of muscle soreness. If you suspect that your muscles are just sore from handling stress, give them a day or two away from physical activity and odds are you’ll feel much better. If pain persists, it could be an indication of a problem that should be examined by a specialist.
You may notice that the above list is rather short, and rightfully so. Most spine conditions, even minor injuries heal best with some sort of active intervention, be it stretching, exercise, range of motion techniques or physical therapy. You may not need to see a specialist for your pain, but at the same time, rest alone may not be your best option. Consider learning more about your specific condition or consulting with a spine specialist to learn about the best way to treat your condition.
A lot of minor or mild back injuries like pinched nerves, bulging discs or muscle tears will not require surgery, but in order to make the fullest recovery, you need to be smart about your treatment, and that’s where a specialist can help guide you. So if your back pain doesn’t go away on your own, or you’re struggling to put back pain in the past, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office to see how we can help you.
