The ultimate treatment may be surgery to clear away obstructing bone — laminectomy, or to remove the discs — discec-tomy, or to join bones to prevent movement between the vertebrae — fusion. However these procedures should only be carried out if there is overwhelming evidence that severe damage or pressure is occurring to the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
Medications used in the treatment of back pain include antiinflammatory drugs, antidepressants to modify pain awareness, tranquillisers and other muscle relaxants and some simple pain relieving medications.
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