True health requires a delicate balance of physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. When that balance goes awry, it may require several forms of medical treatment to restore. That’s where complementary medicine’s greatest strength lies. As its name implies, it is used as a complement to conventional medicine.
Whether you choose to use chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy or Traditional Chinese Medicine separately or as recommended complements to conventional medical treatment, you'll find experience, expertise and understanding at Mercyhealth.
Nonsurgical treatments for back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss work.
Whether your back pain is new or has lingered for a while, nonsurgical treatments can often bring you relief.
The first step is to talk with your doctor about treatment. The right approach will depend on factors like the cause of your back pain. Scroll on to learn about some nonsurgical options your doctor might recommend.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND STRETCHING
When your back hurts, bed rest might seem like a good way to heal. But your back pain can get better sooner if you stay active. You shouldn't do vigorous exercise when your back is sore. But it's generally OK to keep up your daily activities. Your doctor may also give you gentle stretches and strengthening exercises to try.
MEDICATION
Both nonprescription and prescription drugs can help relieve back pain. Some options your doctor may recommend include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and muscle relaxers.
HEAT AND COLD
Applying ice packs to your sore back may help with pain. Hot packs may help boost blood flow to your back tissues to help you heal.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists are movement specialists. They may teach you exercises to strengthen and stretch the support muscles around your spine. You might also learn to protect your back from further pain with good posture and lifting techniques.
BRACES
Braces can help some people feel more comfortable and stable. One commonly used type of brace is similar to a corset that wraps around the back and stomach.
ACUPUNCTURE
In this therapy, practitioners insert slender needles into specific points on the body to stimulate them. This may release the body's natural pain relievers, such as endorphins and serotonin. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture is moderately effective for chronic low-back pain.
INJECTIONS
Doctors can inject steroid medicines into the spine. The shots may reduce inflammation, which can help to relieve pain for a period of time.
Do you need surgery?
Surgery isn't for everyone, but it does help some people with their back pain, especially when nonsurgical treatments haven't helped. This decision tool can help you figure out if surgery might help you.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Association of Neurological Surgeons; American Physical Therapy Association; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Reviewed 2/16/2023
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Low Back Pain." https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/low-back-pain.
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. "Low Back Pain." https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain.
- American Physical Therapy Association. "Physical Therapy Guide to Low Back Pain."https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-low-back-pain.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. "Acupuncture: What You Need to Know." https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Back Pain Basics."https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain/basics/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "Back Pain." https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/back-pain.
No referrals required
While our complementary medicine providers work closely with Mercy primary care doctors, referrals are not required to make an appointment. People of all ages in need of restoration, rebalancing and healing—from infants to senior adults—are welcome to make an appointment.
Acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive approach used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including pain, digestive issues, mental and emotional concerns, and reproductive and gynecological problems. It’s also used to support general well-being and reduce stress.
How does acupuncture work?
During an acupuncture session, sterile, hair-thin needles are inserted to precise spots in your body. This stimulates the body’s own electrical system to promote healing. This is based on the theory that everything in the body is interconnected, and what happens to one area has the ability to affect another.
Make an acupuncture appointment
Acupuncture is offered at the Mercyhealth Complementary Medicine Center in Janesville. To make an appointment, find an acupuncture professional or call 608.741.6799.
Experiencing pain in the neck or back can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. Chiropractic care can help by relieving your discomfort and getting you back to the activities you enjoy.
What is chiropractic care?
As a complementary form of health care, chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free, nonsurgical approach to relieve back and neck pain and restore function. This medical specialty treats your muscles and bones—especially your spine—to benefit your nervous system and overall health.
Personalized care to help you feel better
When you see one of our chiropractors, they will evaluate your condition use techniques to adjust your spine, joints and soft tissues. They will also teach your therapeutic exercises, make lifestyle recommendations and provide education to not only help you feel better, but also provide you with the skills you need to achieve long-term health and wellness.
Make a chiropractic appointment
Chiropractic care is offered at the Mercyhealth Complementary Medicine Center in Janesville and Mercyhealth Woodstock. To make an appointment, find a chiropractor or call 608.741.6799.
Laser therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light to create therapeutic effects. Cell function is improved, resulting in improved healing time, pain reduction and decreased swelling. Laser therapy offers safe and non-invasive treatment for muscles, nerves and joints. If you are suffering from back pain, shoulder pain, a sports injury, arthritis, etc., laser therapy may be right for you.
Can Lumix laser therapy be used with other treatments?
Absolutely. Laser therapy is often used with other treatments, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy and traditional medical care to accelerate healing and reduce pain.
Scientifically sound?
Laser therapy has been widely used by doctors in Europe and Asia over the past 40 years. The FDA first cleared lasers for use in the United States in 2002. Since then, laser therapy continues to grow in popularity.
This treatment is offered by Dr. Scott Priske and Dr. Karen Bridge at the Mercyhealth Complementary Medicine Center in Janesville. To make an appointment, call 608.741.6799.
Massage can benefit people of all ages. As one of the oldest healing arts, massage therapy is a great way to relax your body, lower your heart rate and blood pressure, reduce recovery time, improve your range of motion, increase blood circulation, and soothe sore muscles.
Massage uses touch to loosen and heal muscles and soft tissues. Our licensed massage therapists use a variety of techniques, from therapeutic and deep tissue to stretching and relaxation. Massages are offered in 30-, 45- or 60-minute sessions.
Massage can help improve health issues, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Circulation problems
- Muscle tension
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Stress
Make a massage appointment
Massage therapy is offered at the Mercyhealth Complementary Medicine Center in Janesville and Mercyhealth Woodstock. To make an appointment, find a massage therapist or call 608.741.6799.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest health care systems in the world, at roughly 4,000 years old.
It includes:
- Herbology, which is the use of plants in healing and for medicinal reasons
- Moxabustion, which is use of heat through herbs
- Nutrition
- Tui na, which is Chinese massage often used in conjunction with herbology, moxibustion and acupuncture treatments
Personalized treatment
Each treatment given is tailored specifically to you and your unique health circumstances. It’s used not only to treat internal and external physical ailments, but also emotional ailments such as stress and anxiety.
Make an appointment
Traditional Chinese Medicine is offered at the Mercyhealth Complementary Medicine Center in Janesville. To make an appointment, find a provider or call 608.741.6799.