Pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than three months or longer. It can appear and disappear for some time, leading to temporary relief, which is then followed by frustration. It is highly important to understand the cause of the problem in order to manage this problem effectively. Doctors say that elderly people are more prone to chronic back pain, however, it can be also a result of a prior injury. Some other causes of this problem could be spinal stenosis, disc problems, arthritis of the spine and/or myofascial pain syndrome. The following section focuses on the main treatment for chronic back pain without surgical intervention.
Medicine treatment
Anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and muscle relaxants could be used to control chronic back pain. Medical marijuana has started to gain its popularity as it helps to get pain relief. However, some states still forbid the use of it even if it can have a positive effect. In the majority of cases, all the aforementioned medicine come with side effects and are not intended to be used for a long period of time. These medications can definitely assist in getting pain relief, but the majority of them are addictive and do not help with dealing with the cause of the pain.
Physical therapy treatment
Back pain specialists claim, that being engaged in sports activities is the most effective solution for chronic back pain. This is the first thing you have to try out before making use of other methods. It should be also said that exercising has to be done under the control of the physician or spine physical therapist. Otherwise, you will make your back heart even more. All the exercises have to be chosen based on your specific situation and take your symptoms into consideration. Back pain doctors say that it is highly important to do the exercises on a regular basis otherwise a person will not feel any effect. The most common exercises for chronic back pain are stretching and flexibility exercises, aerobics, and core strengthening.
Lifestyle changes
People with chronic back pain should have a clear understanding that they have certain limitations. You should be able to accept them and adapt accordingly. Do not attempt to do activities that cause pain, rather make a list of them and try to avoid if possible. It will not only help to avoid pain but also prevent you from making the situation for your back even worse. Another important fact to be considered is the effect of smoking on pain. Back pain specialists state that nicotine can accentuate pain and create a delay in the healing process.
Injection treatment
There are several types of injections that could be useful for chronic back pain treatment. The most common are epidural steroid injections, nerve ablations, nerve blocks injection-based procedures. As doctors say, they are typically used when the cause of the problem is known. They also help to rule out some cause if the treatment does not help. Although, you have to be aware that these injections help to decrease pain for a certain period of time but they cannot be considered as a long-term solution. Furthermore, they should not be used in isolation.
Consume enough calcium
It is a well-known fact that calcium is a crucial element for strong bones and teeth. Back pain doctors advise consuming enough calcium along with vitamin D as it can relieve back pain caused by conditions that affect the strength and bone mass. For the majority of adults, the recommended daily intake of calcium is between 1,000 and 1,200 mg per day and around 600 and 800 of vitamin D per day.
Before making use of any of the aforementioned treatments, it is vital to consult a doctor. He/she will be able to determine the cause of the problem and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Keep in mind that trying to manage your chronic back pain by yourself might lead to a negative outcome.