Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Whether it’s because you took a little more than anticipated to deal with an unexpected flare up or you can’t get to the pharmacy for a few days to refill your prescription, it’s possible that you find yourself forced to manage your spinal discomfort without medication for a bit. This isn’t ideal, especially if you’ve fallen into a good rhythm with your meds, but it’s not too challenging to navigate if you are smart in your approach. Below, we take a closer look at how to manage your back pain when you’re out of prescription medication.

Managing Back Pain Without Meds

The following is general advice, and you should always follow the personalized recommendations of your care provider over general recommendations that you find on the internet. However, many individuals with mild to moderate back pain will find that their back pain is less noticeable if they keep these tips in mind.

1. Move – Don’t just lay in bed until your prescription is ready to be picked up in a few days. Stay active, putting healthy stress on your spine and your body. This will help keep muscles, bones and soft tissues functioning optimally. Obviously you’ll want to stay within your physical limitations, but going for a swim, walking with a friend or riding your bike around the neighborhood are all helpful ways to stay active and preserve function in your spine. The activity can also help draw your attention away from your back, and the release of endorphins in your brain during exercise can naturally help to mask spinal discomfort.
2. Stay Mentally Busy – If you’re bored or your brain is turned off, you’ll likely be more aware of your spinal discomfort. Find ways to challenge your brain with activities that force it into action. Netflix and naps are enjoyable once in a while, but they don’t really engage your brain. Read a book, put together a puzzle or do the daily crossword with your morning coffee. Keep your brain engaged, and pain will be less noticeable.
3. Stay Hydrated – You’ll also want to stay hydrated while you’re waiting for a prescription refill. Staying hydrated keeps blood vessels open and makes it easier for healthy blood to reach key structures in your back, aiding in the healing process and preventing muscle cramps. Even if you’re not all that physically active, still make it a point to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
4. Stretch – Gentle stretching can oftentimes help take some static stress off your spine and gradually expand your comfortable range of motion, making movement easier at a time when you may be dealing with a little more discomfort than you’re used to. Stretch when you wake up in the morning, before you go to bed and a couple times throughout the day, especially if your back is feeling tight or uncomfortable.
5. Connect With Dr. Sinicropi – Finally, if you’re struggling to manage your back pain without medications, or you simply want to consider more proactive treatment methods that can help wean you off medications entirely, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today. Too many people assume that painkillers and prescription medications are their only options or something they’ll have to take for the rest of their lives, but that’s just not true. Dr. Sinicropi and his team want to really understand your back pain and your individual goals to develop a care plan that helps you put back pain behind you once and for all. We’re not just going to write a prescription and send you on your way, we’re going to give you the attention and care you need to make the strongest recovery possible. We’ve helped many patients ditch the need for prescription medications, and we can do the same for you.

For more information about managing your back discomfort without the help of pain medications, or to talk with a doctor who can provide you the individual attention and care you deserve, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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