Chronic back pain won’t go away on its own, but you can help reduce its impact on your daily routines. Speak to a back doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis to understand where the pain is coming from. They can recommend medications, physical therapy, spinal injections, or other treatment solutions. Here are a few tips for managing chronic back pain:
Understand Your Pain
Back pain may stem from a fall accident, arthritis, improper workout technique, or occupational hazards. Chronic back issues are diagnosed as pain that lasts for several months or years. Before you begin management, find out the cause of your pain through a comprehensive evaluation. Chronic pain may stem from muscle strain, disc problems, or lifestyle factors, such as poor posture.
During the initial appointment, your back doctor will perform a thorough medical review of your overall health and lifestyle. Understanding these factors helps guide treatment, so keep a pain diary to track patterns and triggers. Doctors often use your input together with diagnostics to check the health and structure of your spine. The evaluation may identify issues, such as herniated discs, degenerative discs, and inflamed or compressed nerves. The assessment will then guide the right treatment and management practices.
Get Help Early
Although chronic back pain may stem from traumatic accidents and injuries, most conditions are progressive. Facet joints wear out over time, leading to inflammation and arthritis. Spinal discs also become old, stiff, and fragile, losing their efficiency and shock absorption. The pain may begin as mild discomfort that comes and goes. Early diagnosis and management slow the degeneration and improve overall comfort levels. Seek medical attention if you experience any back pain that doesn’t improve within a week or if the pain is severe. You should also get help if the pain subsides only to reappear. Contact your doctor immediately if the pain radiates down your leg or causes numbness, tingling, or weakness. Such symptoms are signs of stressed or damaged nerves and require early interventions to prevent long-term damage.
Pursue Non-Invasive Remedies
Doctors often begin treatment with non-invasive approaches, such as workouts, massage, and posture training. Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, strengthens the back muscles, improving flexibility. Exercise also boosts circulation, so avoid long periods of bed rest, which can weaken your body and worsen the pain. Follow the doctor’s workout regimen to avoid overexertion, which may put extra pressure on your spine and back muscles.
Posture training involves learning how to sit and stand properly. If you work at a desk, follow your doctor’s advice regarding chair and screen position, and the proper posture. Keep your core engaged to avoid slouching and putting pressure on your spine. Doctors may also help optimize your sleep patterns or recommend heat and cold therapy, stress management techniques, and back braces.
Explore Alternative Treatments
If lifestyle changes and non-invasive interventions don’t provide relief, your doctor will recommend other treatment options. Chronic back pain treatments include medication, spinal injections, and platelet-rich plasma injections. Pain medication is used for acute back pain. Doctors may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
Pain medication should offer temporary relief as doctors work on addressing the underlying condition. If the condition doesn’t improve with standard medications, doctors can use spinal injections, where corticosteroids are injected directly into the source of pain. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves and joints, improving mobility and comfort. They’re used to reduce pain associated with arthritis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. Platelet-rich plasma injections stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, potentially leading to long-term relief for chronic back or nerve pain.
Speak to a Back Doctor Today
Managing chronic back pain requires a comprehensive approach that can involve medication, exercise, injections, and lifestyle modification. Consulting a doctor enables you to understand the nature of the pain and the available treatment options. Contact a back doctor today to find out more about effective ways to manage chronic pain.
Tips for Managing Chronic Back Pain