Back pain management will vary from one person to the next and from one diagnosis to another. For instance, if your back pain is caused by a herniated disc, your pain may be managed completely differently from a person who has back pain due to rheumatoid arthritis or muscle strain. Herniated discs sometimes require surgical intervention, especially if the disc problem results in sciatica or other neurological involvement.

One thing that most back pain management protocols have in common, though, is the use of physical therapy and massage therapy. Learning to strengthen the supporting muscles of the back often plays a major role in managing back pain. One treatment that is gaining acclaim in the field of back pain management is ultrasound.

Therapeutic ultrasound is a great option to decrease inflammation, pain, tension and soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve and connective tissue) damage experienced with degenerative disc disease, sciatica, pulled back muscles, herniated disc, arthritis, and many more. This can be received using a portable, home ultrasound device (self-administered) or by seeing a physiotherapist. The treatment is easy, painless, safe, and generally requires between 5 - 10 minutes. It is based on a form of deep tissue therapy, which is generated through high frequency sound waves (that we can not hear). These waves send vibrations deep into your body and raise the temperature of your soft tissue. The waves are delivered through a hand held transducer and medicinal conductive gel that are used together in a slow, circular motion on your skin over the injured area. You may experience a slight tingling or warm sensation during the process as a result of the gel; this enhances the therapeutic effects of ultrasound (Phonophoresis).

Ultrasound therapy increases collagen and tissue elasticity, which in turn promotes blood flow (circulation) and brings oxygen and nutrients to your tight hamstring muscles and tendons. This cleans your tissue by getting rid of cell waste products and helps your injury to heal. If not treated properly injured tissue can heal with a weakened state, which can lead to scar tissue or calcification. If used on an ongoing basis, ultrasound will help to improve your range of motion and will break down any scar tissue or calcifications that may form in your hamstring area. Ultrasound waves penetrate deep into your tissues, relax your muscles and tendons, decrease chronic inflammation and accelerate your recovery rate, so you can return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Using conservative treatments such URICE. This philosophy is used to decrease inflammation and relieve pain within the first 48 hours of a flare-up:

Ultrasound around your injury for 5-10 minutes, 3 times per day. This is best accomplished with a personal, therapeutic ultrasound device.

Rest your back and limit your activity; you may want to use a walking aid (cane or crutches) to prevent immediate weight bearing if severely damaged or painful.

Ice your back area 2-3 times/day for approximately 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce blood flow and fluid build up in your hamstring. Gel packs are a better option than frozen peas if possible, as they mold to your leg shape and are reusable. You can also put the gel packs in a washable, polar fleece wrap to secure3 the packs to your body (very effective when the pain is in a hard to reach or multiple areas) and to create a barrier between your skin and the pack to prevent heat/ice burn.

Compress if possible by adding light pressure to minimize swelling (make sure the compress is snug, but not too tight as it could cause numbness, tingling or more pain).

Re-freezable cold therapy compresses are excellent because they provide ice therapy, compression and a protective covering to prevent skin burn from the cold. This combination drives the cold deeper into the injured tissue than regular ice packs, and speeds the healing process. These compresses are fitted to your thigh, easy to use, mess-free and re-usable

Elevate (if at all possible) your injury to above chest level to relieve the pressure and allow any fluid to drain from your injured area.

If you do not have access to ultrasound therapy or you have experienced an back injury and/or have not been diagnosed, adhere to the RICE philosophy within the first 48-72 hours. Gentle massage around the area or small flexing or extending movements will also help increase blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and will prevent stiffness.

A Black Body Radiant Energy Kit is one of the most helpful tools for a wide variety of painful back related problems. Through the absorption of radiant energy, tissues are safely and gently heated - increasing blood flow within the treated area. Your body's natural response to this increased temperature is to try to maintain a condition of homeostasis - a balanced environment or state of equilibrium throughout the body. To do this, your body responds with a rapid increase in blood flow to the area (this is known as vasodilation), increasing the supply of nutrients to injured cells and flushing out toxins (including lactic acid, commonly found in trigger points) to promote healing. Our Thermotex Platinum Pain Relief Device provides effective, non-invasive, non-addictive pain relief with no side effects.