If you’ve been living with back pain for longer than three months, you may feel like it will never end. But there are ways to chronic back pain treatment that can help you manage your symptoms and get relief.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Over time, these conditions can contribute to chronic back pain. Below are some of the most common causes of chronic back pain, along with tips on how to prevent and treat these problems:
- Arthritis of the spine, or osteoarthritis – is a common form of arthritis that most often affects the vertebrae (bones of the spine). It is caused by the same wear and tear that causes osteoarthritis in other parts of our body. When this happens in your spine, it can make it difficult for your bones to move around smoothly as they should.
- Spinal stenosis — Spinal stenosis is when the spinal canal or a portion of the spine narrows, resulting in pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain and numbness. Spinal stenosis may be caused by aging or degenerative changes in the spine. It can occur in anyone at any age but is more common as you get older.
- If you have a disc problem, such as a herniated or bulging disc, there are several solutions that can reduce your pain. Most of these procedures require anaesthesia and some may require hospitalization for postoperative care.
- Myofascial pain syndrome— Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition characterized by unexplained muscle pain and tenderness. It is the most common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The pain can be localized or widespread, and often occurs in groups of muscles that are referred to as trigger points.
It’s hard to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain. If you go to the doctor and he or she cannot find a cause for the pain, seek a second opinion from a back pain treatment specialist. It’s important not to make rushed decisions or undergo extensive medical procedures until the origin of the pain is found.
Nonsurgical Back Pain Treatments
Physical Therapy
If you have chronic back pain, it’s very important to do your share of exercise. Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment, and typically one of the first treatments to try under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist. It’s important that you also maintain an exercise routine at home because with proper care, you can reduce pain, stiffness and increase mobility.
Mindfulness and Meditation
When you experience chronic pain, not only do you feel it physically, but also in your mind. You tend to become irritable and depressed and may even get referred to a rehabilitation psychologist. To manage those feelings, a rehab psychologist may recommend meditation, yoga or tai chi to help your back pain treatment.
Diet
You may experience chronic back pain if your diet is high in trans fats, refined sugars or processed foods. Consult with your doctor to see if your diet could be contributing to your chronic back pain and how you could change it.
Pharmacologic Treatments
Chronic back pain can be treated with medications, but these usually come with unwanted side effects and aren’t meant for prolonged use. Analgesics and anti-inflammatories are often prescribed to help manage the pain caused by chronic back conditions. However, over time they can cause damage to your liver and kidneys. Muscle relaxants are taken to help relieve muscle spasms in the back or shoulders. These medications may lose their effectiveness over time, so it is important to talk to your doctor about different back pain treatment options.
Lifestyle Modifications
Chronic back pain comes with a lot of lifestyle changes. Avoiding activities and habits that worsen your back pain is important, but it can be hard to know exactly which ones they are. The best way to learn is by taking note of how your body responds when you do something. If you notice your back getting worse after mowing the lawn, it might be a good idea to stop.
Alternative Treatments Doctors and other healthcare providers often prescribe acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy and other nonsurgical spine treatments to help patients manage their back pain treatment.
As a final word, if you are facing back pain problem and living in New Jersey, Please feel free to contact us anytime.
