Doctors treat back pain with medications, other treatments, and surgery. Medications may help relieve pain or help tense muscles relax.

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In addition, your doctor may tell you to:

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• Use cold packs to help lower some back pain and hot packs to increase blood flow and help you heal.

• Limit activities or exercise that cause pain or make it worse, but do not lay down all day. Slowly increase physical activity as you can.

• Get physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles that support the back.

• Move your body the right way when going about your day, especially when you lift, push, or pull something.

• Practice healthy habits such as exercising, getting regular sleep, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking.

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Your doctor may recommend surgery if all other treatments tried have not lowered your back pain. However, surgery is not right for everyone, and your doctor will help you decide if it may be best for you.

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