If you're having constant back or neck pain, don't just rely on medication to control the pain. There are a variety of other ways to give you some relief. Talk with your doctor or pain management center about adding some of these options to your treatment plan. They may help you cut back on your medication, which means fewer side effects to deal with.

Acupuncture

This treatment is based on the belief that energy moves through the body in specific pathways. If the path is blocked, illness and pain can develop. The acupuncture practitioner places small needles under the skin directly over these energy pathways. This stimulates the flow of energy again and reduces your pain. These treatments are done in the doctor's office and can be repeated as needed.

Acupressure and Meridian Tapping

These also use the energy pathways to control pain. Acupressure uses the fingertips to gently put pressure on the energy points. Meridian tapping uses a tapping motion of the fingers on the same energy points. These treatments are also done as an outpatient. Practitioners of these techniques can teach you how to do them on yourself at home or work.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

This technique use a small electrical current sent into the muscles to block the pain response along your nerves to your brain. Your doctor may use this in their office to reduce your pain before doing other treatments. There are also portable TENS units available that your doctor can show you how to use at home. The pain relief is only temporary, lasting only as long as the electrical current is flowing.

Physical Therapy and Massage

Neck and back pain are often accompanied by tense muscles. Physical therapy and massage will relax muscles that are irritating the nerves, which causes or increases your pain. You may find that a regular session will help to keep your muscles from becoming tense.

Hypnosis

The goal of this technique is to divert your mind away from the pain. The practitioner gives your mind something else on which to focus when the pain flares up. When the pain does occur, your mind switches focus to something pleasant and calming. You may find this as a helpful tool for getting to sleep, if the pain prevents you from relaxing.

Meditation

A particular type of meditation, called mindfulness meditation, attempts to detach you from the pain. A meditation teacher will show you how to meditate and see yourself separate from the pain in ways that prevent the pain from impacting you. Once you've mastered this with your instructor, you can use it wherever you need relief from the pain.

For more ways to treat your pain, visit a clinic like Pain Treatment Center.