Chronic low back pain is any kind of pain affecting the lower part of your back, which have lasted for more than twelve weeks. When chronic low back pain occurs, quick treatments are not an option since complete rehabilitation is needed to help you move and perform daily activities normally.

Chronic low back pain, which affects both men and women, is one of the most common chronic pains among adults. When you don’t treat your chronic low back pain, it could affect your normal life and daily activities. Fortunately, chronic low back pains can be treated with several options to manage, reduce or treat these kinds of pain.

While chronic low back pain is common, it is difficult for physicians to provide an accurate diagnosis because the symptoms are varied. Some people experiences tenderness on various areas or limited range of movements, while others experiences weight loss or fever, which could indicate infections or illnesses.

When a person experiences chronic low back pain, not only will he or she feel pain in the back, they could also experience different kinds of psychological symptoms, such as depression.

If you experience a stabbing and shooting pain for several weeks, it is usually considered chronic low back pain. In a few cases, patients with chronic low back pain can experience arthritis, joint diseases, muscle spasms, pinched nerves and pain when standing, walking or sitting. However, be aware that regardless of degree or nature of the pain, you should always consult with your doctor to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Therapy and Prevention of Chronic Low Back Pain

When a patient experiences chronic low back pain, it should be treated depending on the diagnosis. Each therapy can last from a week to several months and can involve different approaches simultaneously, such as psychological, drug and physical therapies, interventional and complementary therapies.

When your doctor prescribes medication for treating chronic low back pain, it usually includes anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics or opioids. However, medication is normally combined with a recommended physical therapy such as swimming, cycling or walking to strengthen the muscles and spine.

Since some cases of chronic low back pain can involve psychological symptoms, the patients are recommended to take counseling and medication to reduce depression and other psychological symptoms.

Interventional therapies work by blocking the pain pathways. When this kind of treatment is done, it can involve different invasive treatments, such as injections, analgesic pumps or steroids.

However, when none of the other treatments works, your doctor may recommend surgery as the final option for treating chronic low back pains.