Does Chronic Back Pain Ever Go Away?

Treatment Options For Chronic Back Pain

Sometimes it seems that your chronic back pain will never go away. You have tried all the treatments. From rest to physical therapy, even surgery, the pain lingers. Sure some days are better than others.

There are days when there is no pain and then days when the pain makes you want to lie in bed. Is there any sure-fire way to back pain to go away and never return?

Well, the short answer is no! I say this based on my own experience and research. The back is a complex system of the vertebra, disc, nerves, spinal column, muscles, and ligaments.

Keeping all these aligned relies on many factors. Below are four of the biggest factors.

Weight: Even an extra five pounds of weight can put enormous strain on your back. Especially if it's around the middle of an area where most men gain weight.
Lack of Exercise: Keeping the weight off goes hand in hand with exercise. We are sedentary people. Humans were not meant to sit all day. Our bodies were designed to be on the move.
Improper lifting: We all know or should know the proper way to lift. Heck, many boxes have illustrations and instructions on how to lift, but do we pay attention?
Weekends: Who does not love the weekends? It is a chance to relax and get outside and do some yard work or play golf. But wait a minute, you have been sitting on your duff all week and now you put a strain on your body. A body that is out of shape and you get a backache. What did you expect?

So if you are suffering from chronic back pain how can you expect it to go away?

If you fall into one or more of the above factors? Popping a few pain pills or even having therapy and/or surgery may reduce or end the pain for the time being.

Causes Of Chronic Low Back Pain

But unless you look at the reasons for the pain happening in the first place. If and address the source of your back problem the pain and discomfort will return.

The only real solution is to deal with the issues that are causing the problem. If it is being overweight then a diet and exercise program is in order.

Some people have the discipline to go on a diet by themselves, but others need a more structured approach.

Remember unless the change in diet is one that you can maintain. After losing a few pounds, chances are you will gain back those pounds.

If I have learned anything from my own journey it is this. Knowing what works for me and adopting a lifestyle that helps me maintain my ideal weight. and muscle tone takes time and dedication.

Also knowing what triggers my pain things such as shoveling snow and raking leaves. This means I approach these tasks aware of the proper technique and my own limitations.

What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Low Back Pain?

There are many risk factors for developing lower back pain. But the most common include age, weight, smoking status, and sedentary lifestyle. And the previous history of low back pain.

Also, certain occupations need heavy lifting or repetitive motions. Are also associated with an increased risk of developing low back pain.

Other less common risk factors include pregnancy, arthritis, and spinal stenosis. And psychological factors such as stress or depression.

How Is Low Back Pain Diagnosed?

To diagnose low back pain. A physician will first take a medical history and conduct a physical examination.

They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. To further check the cause of the individual's pain.

Once low back pain has been diagnosed, the physician can develop a treatment plan. Based on the specific cause of the individual's symptoms.

Conclusion

Yes, I still get chronic back pain from time to time. Usually when I overdo it and or lay off my exercises.

But based on my experience with my back and my knowledge. I have gained over the years I also know what I have to do to end the pain.

Wanting to live an active life, I accept the fact that my back will act up once in a while. But I now know how to ease the pain and go on with my life.

FAQs

What qualifies as chronic back pain?

According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, 85% of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. People spend billions of dollars each year on low back pain. And it's the number one cause of job-related disability.

In 2009, a study found that even a single episode of back pain can start a vicious cycle. People who have experienced back pain are more likely to develop chronic pain. In fact, people with a history of back pain are three times more likely to have more episodes.

So what qualifies as chronic back pain? The National Institutes of Health defines chronic pain. As any pain lasting more than 12 weeks despite medication or treatment.

About 20 percent of people are affected by acute low back pain. Develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year.

In some cases, treatment relieves chronic low back pain. But in other cases, pain persists despite medical and surgical treatment.

Chronic non-specific back pain is a common condition. That can be very disabling but usually isn't fatal.

It is often defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. But acute back pain can become chronic back pain, and most chronic back pain lasts less than a year.

The term "chronic" is also used to describe conditions that involve recurring. Or intermittent episodes of pain, such as migraines or fibromyalgia.

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. And a major contributor to missed work. In the United States, treating low back pain costs more than $50 billion a year.

Can chronic back pain be cured?

There is no definite answer to this question as there is no scientific evidence to support the theory that chronic back pain can be cured.

While some people may experience a significant reduction in their back pain symptoms over time, there is no guarantee that this will be the case for everyone.

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, it may be best to seek out professional medical help in order to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Is it normal to have back pain daily?

For the past year, I've had pain in my back daily. It gets worse when I sit at my desk for too long but is still there when I'm just walking around.

It's not bad enough to keep me from doing anything. And it's not a constant pain, just a dull ache that becomes more intense as the day goes on.

When I try to describe it to people, they tell me they can't imagine having pain like that all the time.

I'm starting to get worried about it though part of me wonders if this is how everyone feels all the time. Or if it's something that's going to get worse and worse as I get older.

I'm wondering if there are things I can do to manage the pain or make it go away completely.

Back pain is the most common form of chronic pain in the United States. And it's also one of the leading causes of disability.

If you have back pain, you're not alone. It's estimated that up to 80% of people at some point in their life. Will experience back pain, whether it be for a few days or a few years.

Phase One: Injury Phase

The first phase of an acute back pain episode is called the injury phase.

This is when something happens to your back that damages the soft tissue. Or intervertebral disc material.

It can be anything from a minor fall to a car accident, or sports injury. Or even sitting for long periods of time.

A good example would be a person sleeping in an awkward position that strains their lower back.

Back pain is common and can be bothersome for many people. Whether you have occasional back pain or back pain daily, it is important to seek out medical attention if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days.

How do you stop chronic back pain?

The best way to stop chronic back pain may vary. Depending on the individual's specific circumstances.

But, some general tips that may help include:

1. Follow a regular pain-free exercise routine.

A regular exercise routine can help to promote good health and can also help to stop chronic back pain.

2. See a pain management specialist. A pain management specialist can help to provide specific advice. On how to stop chronic back pain.

3. Use pain medications only as a last resort. Pain medications can be helpful in stopping chronic back pain. But they should only be used as a last resort after other measures have failed.

4. Get therapy. Therapy can help to address the root causes of chronic back pain and can provide relief.

What to do for chronic back pain?

Chronic back pain can be extremely frustrating. Especially if you have a lot of other things on your plate. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to help manage it and even get rid of it altogether.

First, the bad news: chronic back pain is usually caused by some underlying problem. And even if it's not, it could still be indicative of a problem somewhere in your body.

The good news is that chronic back pain can often be prevented. Here are some tips about how to prevent back pain from becoming a problem for you:

1. If you have to lift something heavy 20 pounds or more you should do it with your legs instead of bending at your waist.

2. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Get up from your desk and walk around or stretch every hour or so.

You should also take regular breaks during the day when you're working with your hands. Get up and move around for about 5 minutes every half-hour.

3. Make sure your shoes fit well and wear them before doing any strenuous physical activity. (this goes for all shoes, not athletic shoes). This will help ensure that you don't develop knee problems also.

Chronic back pain is frustrating and can make every aspect of life difficult. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help it get better.

You may have to try a lot of different things before you find the one that works for you. But if you're serious about getting pain relief, it's worth the effort.

What diseases have back pain as a symptom?

There are many diseases that can cause back pain as a symptom.

Some examples include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and herniated discs.

Back pain is also a common symptom of more general conditions. Such as arthritis, infection, and trauma or cancer.