Treatment options for lower back pain

Rest your lower back to counter the pain

1. Rest

Treat lower back pain with a hot or cold compress

2. Heat or ice

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are a noninvasive treatment option for back pain.

OTC pain relievers

Your doctor might prescribe stronger medications to relieve chronic lower back pain that isn’t helped by OTC options

Prescription medications

Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when your back hurts

Exercise

If your back pain doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, you may need to consider alternative options

Traction, ultrasound, and TENS

Alternative medicine Alternative medicine for lower back pain includes the use of chiropractic care and acupuncture

Alternative medicine

Relatively few people require surgery for chronic, severe back pain

Surgery

Treatment options for lower back pain