Back Pain Lower Back Chronic

Back pain is a common health issue that can last anywhere from a few days to months. Chronic lower back pain is especially a persistent type of back pain that lasts much longer and doesn't typically respond to typical treatments. Although the exact cause of chronic back pain is still unclear, some of the contributing factors that can lead to it include:

Injury or trauma
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Nerve or muscle irritation
Poor posture
Sciatica
Herniated discs

In order to diagnose chronic lower back pain, a physical exam and imaging tests like CT scans, X-rays or MRI scans will be used. Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, massage therapy or other lifestyle changes.

Not all treatments will work for everyone and it is recommended to speak to a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment. Some of the treatments used to alleviate chronic lower back pain include:

Physical therapy or therapeutic exercises
Heat therapy or cold therapy for pain relief
Massage therapy or chiropractic treatments
Acupuncture or trigger point injections
Surgery to correct a disc problem or other issue

At-home remedies may also help to relieve chronic lower back pain. These include:

Practicing good posture to prevent further injuries
Stretching or relaxation exercises
Avoiding activities that cause or aggravate pain
Using an ergonomic chair or other supportive devices

It is important to note that some medical conditions can cause chronic lower back pain and these should be discussed with a doctor. Some of these conditions include depression, diabetes, kidney stones, and spinal stenosis. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive drinking may result in worsening pain as well.