Back pain can make it impossible to get comfortable, and life can essentially come to a standstill. Fortunately, finding effective ways of treating back pain is now easier than ever before.

Every year, more than 65 million Americans report some sort of back pain. The condition is extremely common, and it is one of the leading reasons that people seek medical care.

Obviously, back pain causes extreme discomfort. It's also highly inconvenient. Work is disrupted, family commitments are missed and everyday activities are put on hold. Some patients find that they can't take part in their favorite recreational activities and sports, because the movements simply place too much stress on their backs. Others live with such intense pain that the simplest tasks, like standing and sitting, become impossible feats.

Recent advances in medical science, research and technology have created many new treatment options for people who suffer with chronic back pain. Each method can affect the pain and the patient in different ways, so it's important to get the advice of a doctor before treating back pain.

Here are some of the more common ways to treat back pain treatment:

Medicinal Treatments

There is a wide variety of drugs available to bring relief from the various symptoms and causes of back pain. These drugs include anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and relaxants to ease muscle spasms and tension. There are back pain medications available over the counter, and others that require a prescription. Many pain relief drugs bring on side effects, so don't take any before getting a doctor's advice.

Here are some of the drugs commonly used in treating back pain:

* Acetaminophen, including Anacin 3, Tylenol, Phenaphen, and Valadol

* NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs): Aspirin, ibuprofen, Naproxen and Ketoprofen

* COX-2 Inhibitors: Celecoxib

* Opioid: Morphine and Codeine

* Muscle relaxants, including Valium, Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine

Chiropractic Treatment

This effective and popular form of back pain treatment requires manual manipulation by a professional chiropractor, therapist or other qualified health professional. Chiropractic therapy is believed to help relieve back pain by taking pressure off sensitive neurological tissues, thus restoring and increasing blood flow. It triggers a series of chemical reactions in the body, releasing endorphins and other natural pain killing hormones.

Epidural Injection

This is considered to be a "passive" method of treating back pain, because it is applied directly to the individual. The doctor or therapists performs this treatment by injecting steroid medications into the spine. The drugs travel throughout the entire spinal column, decreasing inflammation of the affected area and bringing welcome pain relief.

Massage

This is a therapeutic form of treatment that's often used for patients with lower back pain. Through manual manipulation of muscles, it is believed that massage helps to improve the blood flow, reduce muscle stiffness and increase the range of motion. Massage can also help trigger the body to release natural painkillers, such as endorphins.

It's no longer necessary for those suffering from back pain to give their lives over to the discomfort. There are many ways of effectively treating back pain. Speak with your doctor about the treatment method that's best for you.