Chronic back pain is defined as discomfort that lasts three months or more. It comes and goes, giving short relief followed by frustration. Dealing with persistent back pain can be especially difficult if you don't know what's causing it.
Andrew Nava, M.D., a back pain rehabilitation specialist, gives insights into common chronic back pain causes and nonsurgical treatment options—and urges not to give up hope.
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| 7 Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Back Pain |
The Most Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is mainly caused by aging, although it can also be caused by a previous injury. The following are the most typical causes:
- Spinal arthritis is the slow weakening of the cartilage within the spine.
- Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause nerve pain.
- Problems with the discs, such as a ruptured or bulging disc
- Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by inexplicable muscle pain and tenderness.
Chronic back pain can be difficult to diagnose in some instances. “If your doctor has exhausted all diagnostic options, seek a second opinion from a back pain specialist,” advises Nava. It is critical not to make rash judgments or undergo expensive medical procedures until the source of the pain is identified. They may not only not assist, but they may make the agony worse, cautions Nava.
If the source of the pain is unknown or cannot be treated, your best option may be to collaborate with your doctor to reduce flare-ups and make the pain bearable with nonsurgical treatments.
Treatments for Chronic Back Pain That Aren't Surgical
Physical Therapy
The core of chronic back pain treatment is exercise. It's one of the first therapies you should undertake with the help of your doctor and a spine physical therapist. According to Nava, the same set of workouts does not work for everyone. The workouts must be adapted to your particular symptoms and condition. Maintaining a regular fitness program at home is also critical to success.
Physical treatment for persistent back pain may include the following activities:
- Changing your stance
- Putting one's pain tolerance to the test
- Exercising flexibility and stretching
- Aerobic workouts
- Core fortification
Mindfulness and Meditation
Chronic back pain is both physically and emotionally taxing. You may be referred to a rehabilitation psychologist to help you deal with the frustration, impatience, sadness, and other psychological components of living with chronic pain. To keep your mind from focusing on pain, this professional may offer meditation, yoga, tai chi, and other cognitive and relaxation treatments.
Diet
Some diets, particularly those high in trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods, are extremely inflammatory. Consult your doctor to determine whether your diet is contributing to your persistent back pain and how you might change it. Maintaining a healthy weight may also help alleviate back pain by relieving pressure on the spine.
Lifestyle Modifications
When suffering from chronic pain, it is critical to accept and adjust to your restrictions. “Listen to your body and learn to pace yourself,” Nava advises. When mowing the yard, take a rest, and carry groceries in multiple trips. Take note of the activities that aggravate your pain and try to avoid them if at all possible. This may not only make your back feel better, but it may also prevent the underlying disease from worsening. Another crucial lifestyle modification to consider is quitting smoking. Nicotine has been scientifically proven to amplify pain and slow recovery.
Injection-based Treatments
For chronic back pain, nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, nerve ablations, and other injection-based therapies are offered. They are utilized when the source of the pain is understood and can occasionally help rule out specific causes if the treatment fails. Injections may temporarily relieve or reduce pain, but they are not meant to be long-term remedies and should not be taken in isolation.
Alternative Treatments
Chronic back pain can benefit from acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, and other nonsurgical spine treatments. Speak with your spine specialist about other treatments that may be beneficial to you.
Pharmacologic Treatments
Chronic back pain can be managed with analgesics, anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxants, and other treatments. Most, however, have undesirable side effects and are not meant for long-term usage.
“In general, opioid drugs should not be utilized as the initial, sole, or long-term line of treatment for persistent back pain,” Nava advises. Many of them are addictive and do not treat the source of your pain. Opioids should only be provided after a complete examination by a professional and after all other medications have failed to offer relief. If you find yourself dependent on opioids to get through the day, it may be time to seek medical advice.
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