Chronic Back Pain Sources

Chronic back pain is a condition that many people live with, and some deal with it quite well. Massage, heat, exercise, stretching, and surgery are the physical healers, while pain medication, meditation and therapy are the mind healers. Any and all of these can be a solution for pain that is unrelenting. Chronic back pain has several sources, which when discovered, can be addressed with appropriate treatment.

The word “chronic” is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as something that is “of long duration, prolonged, lingering,” while “pain” is described as “an unpleasant sensation arising from injury, disease or emotional disorder.” This adds up to much discomfort when it comes from the spine and back, a large compilation of bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves. Chronic back pain is generally described as pain lasting for three to six months or more, beyond the point of tissue healing. Acute back pain is usually due to muscle strain and can heal within two weeks. This is because of the good blood supply to the muscles, facilitating healing.

Sources of Chronic Back Pain

The back was meant to move and to support the body while standing and sitting, to bend while picking up and to twist while reaching, and for fun activities like sports and dancing. Unfortunately, many people do not do much of the latter, and this can lead to problems. The reduced activity of the back leads to stiff muscles and joints which produce weakness – one of the causes of chronic back pain.

Of course, there are also other concerns that cause chronic back pain that may depend on the age of the patient. Younger patients under the age of 60 may suffer from back disc problems, including lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease and vertebral slippage, usually caused by a fracture in the vertebrae early in life. The disc basically serves as a shock absorber between the vertebrae bones. When the bone is fractured, or a disc slips into an unnatural position, this puts compression on the nerve which causes discomfort. For patients over 60, typically chronic back pain is a result of the degeneration of the back caused by osteoarthritis or worn out or slipped vertebrae. 

Lastly, chronic back pain can be a subjective issue, depending on the patient. The person suffering the pain is the one feeling it and describing it. While one patient may have a herniated disc that can be seen on an MRI and have no complaints, another may have nothing appearing on the same test yet whimper of constant pain. This is puzzling to physicians sometimes because they usually make diagnoses based on symptoms and signs. Symptoms are what the patient is experiencing – pain, dizziness, stiffness and nausea. Signs are external manifestations of the illness or injury and include reflex issues, fever, and what is seen on an X-ray or MRI. Signs and symptoms are used by every medical doctor today to diagnose 90 percent of disease and injuries, based on studies from the times of early Greek physicians, to the Middle Ages, to today as new discoveries are made. 

Treating Chronic Back Pain

Pain can be described on a scale to determine whether or not it is chronic. If it is slight or moderate, and goes away within two weeks, it is most likely not chronic, and a physician visit may not be necessary. When pain interferes with concentration, takes the pleasure out of daily activities or is a chief focus of your day, it’s time to see a medical practitioner. Your treatment specialist has a wide range of solutions, which when followed correctly, can usually relieve the pain. This may include physical therapy, acupuncture, prescription medicine, stretching and exercise.

Following a treatment plan is critical to healing. Because it is inconvenient and sometimes uncomfortable to do stretches and exercise, you can infuse a bit of fun into the work to make it more bearable, and even enjoyable. Listen to your iPod or put on the satellite radio with your favorite tunes to distract yourself.  Or, you can wait to do the exercise when your preferred TV show or sporting event is airing. It should really only take 15 to 30 minutes to complete the exercises, and well worth the effort several times a week to relieve chronic back pain.

Setting a goal to do your back exercises is another key to success. Keeping track of the exercise time is effective, as you can feel the difference and see what it took to relieve the chronic back pain.

Another way to address back pain is through yoga, a source of healing for eons that offers exercises for many specific sources of chronic back pain. Books and DVDs on yoga displaying simple exercises requiring no more than a pillow, a chair or a rope or belt can offer great relief. In addition, many gyms, public recreation centers and wellness organizations provide yoga classes. Pilates is another form of exercise that focuses on core strength and can be helpful in the prevention of further pain.

When a program is started, it is a good idea to set up a scale of pain at the beginning to chart your progress. If exercising on a regular basis for a couple of weeks seems to make no difference, you should see your medical practitioner for further analysis.

Hope in Healing

Even if you suffer from spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis or other back issues, chronic back pain can be treated. Trust your medical specialist, follow the plan, and be patient.

There is a possibility that back problems may represent a more serious underlying medical factor if any of the following are present:

- Recent trauma to the back

- Family history of osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes or kidney problems

- Unexplained fever

- Bowel or bladder problems

- Increased pain when lying down

- Unexplained weight loss or gain

Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms in conjunction with back pain.