Chronic back pain is always a challenge faced by doctors while treating them. Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than three months. Back pain may come and go providing temporary relief to a patient. 

 

Back pain is considered a widespread problem that affects a lot of people. An estimate of about 80% of adults is approximately affected with back pain at some point in their life. Medications or surgery are not the only solutions for treating back pain. Other treatments that can provide faster and long-lasting relief from back pain include physical therapy, home remedies, lifestyle changes, etc.

Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Back pain is considered one of the most common reasons for absence from work. Back pain is always uncomfortable and frustrating. Let’s have a look at some of the most common reasons of causing back pain:

 

  • Muscle Deconditioning – Muscle deconditioning is also commonly known as atrophy. It is one of the most common causes of back pain. Muscle deconditioning can happen due to the lack of strength and stability in your back muscles to support you properly. It can lead to wear and tear over time. Age and lack of physical activity also contribute to muscle deconditioning. 

 

  • Improper Posture – Bad posture may increase the stress on your spine, which may strain the soft tissue surrounding it. Repeated stress over time can cause a breakdown of the structural components of your spine, which may be one of the causes of your back pain.

 

  • Genetics and aging – As you get older, your body changes. Aches and pains become common when you get older. You may lose strength and thus lead to more disc space over your spine. The aging process is one of the most common contributing factors to chronic back pain.

 

  • Traumatic Events – Certain events, such as falls, car accidents, and other high-impactful events, can speed up the aging process of your spine, which may trigger chronic pain in your back.

 

  • Overuse and repetition of activities – The activities you perform every day can significantly impact the increase of stress in your spine. Some of those activities that may lead to chronic back pain include driving or sitting for a longer time, lifting heavy objects, sleeping in an odd position, etc.  

 

  • Arthritis – Arthritis is one of the most common causes of back pain. Osteoarthritis usually affects the lower back of a person. Also, there are certain cases when arthritis can cause a narrowing down of the spinal cord called spinal stenosis.

Non-Surgical Treatment For Relief From Chronic Back Pain

A physician only recommends surgery when the non-surgical options have stopped working. So, let’s look at some non-surgical treatments for faster relief and recovery from chronic back pain.

 

  • Physical Therapy – Exercise is considered one of the most common treatments and is also the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. Exercise is one such treatment, the first thing recommended by a physician or a physical therapist. However, the same type of exercise is ineffective for everyone suffering from the same problem. A trained and an experienced physical therapist would suggest exercises tailored to your symptoms and condition. 

 

Physical therapy treatment for chronic back pain may include stretching and flexibility exercises, aerobic exercises, core strengthening, etc.

 

  • Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a well-known Chinese medicine practice treating various conditions. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts thin needles into specific body parts. Acupuncture is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for chronic back pain. 

 

Acupuncture is considered very useful for pain relief and functional restoration. It can also provide long-lasting relief from pain and inflammation.

 

  • Lifestyle Modifications – If you suffer from chronic back pain, you must accept your limitations and adapt accordingly. You must listen to your body and learn to pace yourselves. You can also note such activities that worsen the pain and try to avoid those as much as possible. It would make you feel better and prevent the advancement of the underlying condition. 

 

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment where a person places sticky electrode patches on your back. It is used to send electrical impulses to the electrodes, which act as a barrier by interrupting the pain signals. It is a very effective technique to get relief from back pain. 

 

Conclusion

It is often seen that you suffer back pain due to minor injury or overuse of your back muscles. It usually gets better with minor lifestyle improvements. Certain physical therapy treatments, such as massage therapy, and electrical stimulation, can also be beneficial for getting faster and long-lasting relief from back pain. Certain dietary changes can also be helpful in not only providing relief from pain and inflammation but also preventing such kinds of problems in the future.