How can you know you're suffering from back pain? Experts suggest you have chronic back pain if it continues unabated for three months. The pain may come and go, and you may experience temporary relief. However, frustration often follows. It can be especially challenging trying to deal with chronic back pain if you're not sure about the causes. Dr. Andrew Nava, who's a back pain rehabilitation expert, offers a few insights into some common causes of chronic back pain. He provides several nonsurgical options and advises sufferers never to give up.
What causes chronic back pain? Such pain may be related to ageing; it can also result from injury or accident. But- by far- some of the most common causes include spinal arthritis. Arthritis of the spine refers to the gradual thinning process on the cartilage inside the spine. Another cause is spinal stenosis- this refers to the narrowing process of the spinal canal. It may also lead to nerve pain. Also, there is the issue of disc problems (herniated or bulging disc). Finally, there is myofascial pain syndrome- a general unexplained tenderness and pain in the muscles. Dr. Nava says it can be difficult trying to pinpoint the exact cause of chronic back pain. If the doctor seems to have exhausted all diagnostic options, it might be time to try and seek a second opinion, specifically from a back pain expert.
Do not make rushed decisions, however. Further, it's important not to undergo extensive medical procedures (or surgeries) if the cause of the pain hasn't been established. Disregarding such advice can make the problem worse, the doctor warns. You should try managing the pain with nonsurgical processes if the source of the pain isn't known or if the pain isn't subsiding. Try to collaborate with the doctor to reduce the flare-ups.
So, what are some practical nonsurgical treatments for such pain? First, try physical therapy. The primary foundation of any chronic pain treatment is one: Exercise. Indeed, this should be among the first treatments anyone should try. Ensure you do this under the spinal therapist and physician's supervision. Ensure you tailor the exercises to your symptoms and general condition. Try to maintain the exercise regime at home- this constitutes a big part of your success.
Some practical physical therapy for chronic includes the following: Aerobic exercises, mindfulness, and meditation, core strengthening, restraining the body posture, stretching and flexibility exercises, testing the pain tolerance limits. Undoubtedly, the problem of chronic back pain can be physically and emotionally straining. You may likely- get referred to an expert in rehabilitation psychology to help you deal with some other symptoms. Some of these may include depression, irritability, frustration management, and other psychological elements of dealing with such pains. Your specialist may recommend a range of actions, including yoga, meditation, and tai chi. He may recommend other cognitive relaxation strategies that might help keep your mind from excessively concentrating on the pain.
Another practical option is diet. Keep in mind that some diets can be highly inflammatory. This is especially true of diets that are high in refined sugars, processed foods and trans fats. Ensure you consult your doctor to determine if your diet might be the contributing factor to the chronic back pain. The doctor may suggest ways to change your diet. Try to maintain a healthy body wait. This could help lessen the back pain- it reduces the pressure on the back (and the spine). You can also try to modify your lifestyle.
Try to accept your limitations- adapt to the realities of your situation. Dr. Nava suggests that patients should listen to their bodies and learn to pace themselves. For example, why not take a break when mowing the lawn? Also, try to do several trips when carrying your groceries. Try to identify activities that tend to worsen the pain and avoid them at all costs. This will help you feel much better and prevent the basic underlying condition from becoming worse. Try to stop smoking; experts have flagged off nicotine as a contributor to various pains- this may possibly include your nagging back pain. Further, nicotine may delay your natural healing processes.
Alternative Treatments: Ultimately, some have used a variety of treatments to manage chronic back pains. Some of these include massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, biofeedback therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation. As earlier noted, try to pursue non-surgical spine treatments. Try to talk to your spine specialist- he might suggest other practical alternative therapies that could very well benefit you.