Many people experience either chronic or acute back pain throughout their lives. Various things, like an injury, illness, or certain habits could cause this. If you have noticed your back pain has lingered for a long time, you may have chronic back pain. Here’s how to tell and what to do about it to find relief.
What Qualifies as Chronic Back Pain? What Are Chronic Back Pain Symptoms?
There are two types of back pain: acute and chronic. Both can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Acute back pain lasts only a few days or weeks. If your back pain has lasted for 12 weeks or more – even after the cause has been treated – you may have chronic back pain.
If you suspect you are suffering from chronic back pain, you may have more questions, such as, “What does chronic back pain feel like? Where is chronic back pain located?” Chronic back pain can be located anywhere from the neck down to the lower back, however, it’s common in the lower back. Chronic back pain feels different for everyone. It can range from mild to severe. It may feel like a dull ache, a tingling or burning sensation, or a sharp, stabbing pain, and you might experience stiffness and soreness. Your pain could occur in one specific area or it could radiate to other areas of your body, like your limbs, from a central point.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Many experience chronic back pain due to age-related disc degeneration, however, certain illnesses, habits, injuries, and health issues can also cause chronic back pain. Common causes of chronic back pain include:
- Poor posture. This can add stress to your spine and its surrounding soft tissue. Over time, this repeated strain can start to wear down your spinal structure and lead to muscle deconditioning, causing chronic back pain.
- Medical issues. Osteoarthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, myofascial pain syndrome, scoliosis, certain types of cancer, and being overweight or obese can contribute to or cause chronic back pain. Strained muscles and tendons are another common medical issue that can lead to chronic back pain.
- Occupation. Repeated motions and overuse that come with a career that requires heavy lifting or repetitive motions can lead to chronic back pain. Ensure you’re using proper lifting techniques to combat this. On the other end of the spectrum, a sedentary job can also cause chronic back pain if you aren’t standing regularly or utilizing an ergonomic desk setup.
- Traumatic injuries. A traumatic injury from a fall, car accident or impact sports may injure your spine or its surrounding tissue.
Can Chronic Back Pain Be Fixed?
In most cases, chronic back pain can be healed. It’s important to consult with a medical professional to ensure you get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In order to diagnose your back pain, your healthcare provider may run a series of tests, such as an MRI, X-ray or CT scan. They may also run urine and blood tests to rule out health issues, like kidney stones, as those could cause back pain.
After your doctor has found the cause of your chronic back pain, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that helps you find relief. They may recommend physical therapy, over-the-counter or prescription medications, or chiropractic care. If these mild treatment methods don’t work, they may also recommend steroid injections or minimally invasive spinal surgeries.
What Are the Red Flags for Back Pain?
If you experience back pain in combination with more severe symptoms, like fever or incontinence, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention. You also should speak with a healthcare professional if your back pain does not go away if it’s so bad that it interferes with daily life. These symptoms could indicate a serious health issue that could be life-threatening if left unchecked.
