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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments

by Francisco Arnold

Living with pain is difficult. Not only can it affect your ability to work and complete simple tasks, but chronic pain can also increase your risk of depression and anxiety. Depending on the cause of your back pain, you may be wondering if surgery is the solution. Unfortunately, surgery can be invasive and risky, so finding safer, non-surgical options to ease your pain is smart. If you are living with back pain, here are a few non-surgical pain relief options to consider. 

Physical Therapy

If you are living with back pain, your last thought may be to exercise. However, exercise with the help of a physical therapist can be effective for reducing inflammation and pain.

The exact exercises you should complete will depend on your physical limitations and cause of your back pain. Therefore, it is essential to meet with a physical therapist who can design an exercise plan based specifically on your needs.

Physical therapy increases endorphins in the body, which alleviates inflammation and pain. Exercises can also strengthen your core, allowing you to move your back without stiffness and pain. Physical therapy can also help improve posture, flexibility, stamina, and endurance.

Alternative Therapies

There are also alternative therapies that can be used in addition to your physical therapy. Each type of therapy may offer its own pros and cons, but most are effective for improving blood flow, which eases inflammation and pain. In addition, these alternative therapies cause the brain to release endorphins into the body, improving your overall mood quickly.

If you are interested in alternative therapy for pain relief, consider massage therapy. Massage of the back and surrounding tissues and muscles relaxes physical stiffness and soreness, easing away the pain.

Hydrotherapy is also an option to consider. Centered on the use of various forms of water, such as sitting in a jacuzzi, swimming, or relaxing with a hot/cold compress on the back, hydrotherapy can also ease inflammation and pain.

Finally, acupuncture is an alternative therapy you may want to try for holistic pain relief. Placing small, thin needles into various acupoints on the body may not seem like the best way to ease the pain, but many people believe it improves the body's chi, or energy, reducing inflammation, pain, and emotional distress.

Surgery is not always the best solution if you are dealing with back pain. This guide will give you a few non-surgical options to ease your back pain so you can live a more normal lifestyle. For more information, contact a pain management clinic such as Regional Pain Care.

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