I have chronic back pain and cannot take medication. What would you suggest?

Having firstly consulted your doctor, TENS has proven to be an effective form of pain relief for many people who try it. It has been demonstrated to release endorphins which have a similar chemical structure to morphine hence relieving one’s pain. There is not one approach that works for everybody, but this is one well worth trying as there are no side effects, like medication may have for some.

What does TENS stand for?

Transcutaneous (meaning through the skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

What is Ultrasound and how can it help me?

Ultrasound works by sending radio waves through the tissue, building up a local thermal effect deeper in to the tissues. This improves blood supply to the area, reducing inflammation and stimulating recovery. Treatments can be effective, safe and pain relieving and if you use a personal Ultrasound unit you are in charge of your treatment. Ultrasound is the most common used therapy for soft tissue injuries eg tendonitis, strained ligaments, inflammation and pain. Most physiotherapy clinics will have one which they will use on you during treatment.

When should I use heat and when should I use cold?

Muscle pain responds better to heat and inflammatory pain responds better to ice but it’s best to apply ice within the first 24 hours. Both hot and cold have a pain relieving effect by de-sensitising the nerves. Cold is best applied in the short term to inhibit inflammatory response, whereas more chronic pain responds better to heat by stimulating circulation to the affected area.