Did you know that chronic back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide? Chronic back pain is pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause has been treated. It can greatly affect your quality of life, making everyday activities difficult and impacting your ability to work.
That said, let us look at some of the causes of chronic back pain and how it can be treated. Keep reading.
Causes of chronic back pain
There are many different causes of chronic back pain, but the most common include:
Degenerative disc disease
This condition occurs when the discs in your spine begin to break down and compress. This can cause the discs to bulge or rupture, leading to pain.
Facet joint arthritis
This is a type of arthritis that affects the small joints in your spine. It can cause the joints to become inflamed, leading to pain.
Spinal stenosis
This condition occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which can cause pain.
Muscle strain
This is a common cause of back pain, especially lower back pain. The muscles in your back can become strained from overuse or injury. This can lead to pain and inflammation.
Osteoporosis
This is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle. It can lead to spinal compression fractures, which can cause pain.
Treatment for chronic back pain
The treatment for chronic back pain will vary depending on the cause of your pain. Treatment options can include:
Pain medication
There are a variety of pain medications that can be used to treat chronic back pain. These include over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and prescription medications, such as opioids.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen your back muscles and improve your range of motion. Physical therapy should be done after proper consultation with the doctor. Exercises such as aerobics, yoga, and flexibility exercises can help a great deal.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that involves the manipulation of the spine. Chiropractic care is whereby the doctor will use his hands to adjust the spine and other joints in the body. This can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
Lifestyle changes
There are also some lifestyle changes that you can make to help relieve chronic back pain. Changes in your diet, weight, and exercise routine can all help.
Alternative treatments
Acupuncture, massage therapy, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections are some alternative treatments that can treat chronic back pain. These treatments should only be done after proper consultation with the doctor.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to treat chronic back pain. Surgery should only be considered a last resort after all other treatment options have failed.
Talk to the experts at Southern Pain
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, Southern Pain Clinic can help! Our experts offer a variety of treatments for different conditions, including chronic back pain. We will work with you to find the best treatment option for your condition. Fill out the form below to contact our team.