Physiotherapy and Medications

Non-surgical passive treatments include:

Ice – Heat:

Although heat generally suits spinal pain, there is no strict rule.
Ice or heat should not be applied directly to the skin, as this may cause burns. To protect the skin, they should always be wrapped in a towel.

• Ice generally reduces blood flow, thereby reducing swelling, local inflammation, and pain.
• Heat increases blood flow and local circulation, helping relax the muscles.

Electrical Stimulation (TENS):

Electrical stimulation, known as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), delivers painless electric current through the skin to peripheral nerves.
The electric current produces slight local heating, which helps with stiffness, pain, and mobility. TENS therapy is non-invasive and has no side effects. It allows control of acute and chronic pain.

Ultrasound:

Ultrasound is also a non-invasive therapy for spinal pain, tendons, and ligaments. It also relaxes the muscles.
The physiotherapist applies gel to the patient’s skin so the ultrasound head can glide smoothly, then moves it in circular motions over the painful area.
Ultrasound produces high-frequency sound waves that generate deep tissue heat. Ultrasound therapy generally promotes circulation and recovery by:

• Relaxing muscle spasms
• Reducing local inflammation
• Helping reduce pain

Mobilization:

Mobilization restores joint mobility and reduces pain. It is a passive but controlled rapid movement that releases a joint and returns it to the ‘correct’ position. It also reduces muscle spasm, which may cause back or neck pain.

Before mobilization, passive therapy using heat, ultrasound, or TENS may be applied. These relax the tissues, allowing for easier joint mobilization.