When your back first starts hurting, you may try to control the pain through natural and DIY measures. For instance, you might take over-the-counter pain relievers or see a massage therapist. Sometimes these treatments are all you need, and you bounce back and become pain-free. Other times, these treatments don't give you much relief. In that case, it is a good idea to make an appointment with an orthopedist. Here are some treatments the orthopedist is likely to recommend.

Muscle Relaxers

Back pain often comes with muscle tightness as a major element. Even if the root cause of your back pain is not muscular, the muscles around the injured area often tense up, which only causes your pain to feel worse. An orthopedic doctor can prescribe muscle relaxers, which will help your muscles relax and loosen up. This can help reduce the back pain you experience. It may also make you more capable of doing any stretches and exercises that are helpful in providing longer-term relief from back pain. Even taking the muscle relaxers for a few weeks can be a big step towards permanent relief.

Cortisone Injections

Another treatment that orthopedists often offer is cortisone injections. Cortisone is a steroid. It encourages the body to heal, and it reduces inflammation. If your back pain is caused by a herniated disc or a strained ligament, cortisone injections can be immensely helpful. These tissues don't receive a lot of blood flow, so they tend to heal very slowly. A cortisone shot can change that; it can speed up the healing process and relieve inflammation and pain in the meantime. The shot itself can be uncomfortable, but the discomfort only lasts a few minutes. 

A Brace

Sometimes back pain doesn't get better because you keep using your back, which prevents the injured tissues from healing. If your orthopedist thinks this is what's happening to you, then they may prescribe a back brace for you to wear. This brace will help keep your back straight when you do various tasks throughout the day. You may be told to wear it all day, or only when you do certain activities. 

If you're struggling with ongoing back pain, take action. Make an appointment with a local orthopedic doctor, and go from there. Chances are, they will recommend one or more of the treatments above, all of which are quite common for chronic back pain. For more information, contact a company like Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists.