Any pain that lasts longer than six months is defined as chronic. Some common forms of chronic pain include continuous muscle pain accompanied by cramping, soreness, swelling and muscle spasms; headache pain, ranging from mild pain to excruciating migraines; enduring joint pain; and lingering back pain, which may be sharp or aching. Weakness, numbness, tingling, sleeping difficulties, lack of energy and depression often accompany chronic pain.

The symptoms of chronic pain include persistent or recurring pain, burning, tingling, shocking, or shooting pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

As people age, normal wear and tear on the body can result in muscle and bone deterioration. Injuries and trauma can also cause low back pain—for example, simply lifting a heavy suitcase into the trunk of a car may strain the back and result in persistent pain.

Lower back pain can also be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or a herniated disc. Also, obesity, poor posture, smoking, stress, and a poor sleeping position can all contribute to low back pain.

What You Can Do to Manage Lower Back Pain

Rest: But only for a short time. Resting sore muscles can help to ease pain, but remain mobile. Staying in bed more than one or two days can make your pain worse and lead to other problems, such as stiff joints and muscle weakness.

Apply Ice and Heat: Although ice and heat have never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve lower back injury, compresses may help reduce back pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals. Patients should avoid sleeping on a heating pad, which can cause burns and lead to additional tissue damage.

Exercise: Exercise that strengthens back and abdominal muscles can help with recovery and prevent pain in the future. These core muscles support the spine, and building them up can improve posture, maintain balance, and decrease your chance of injury. Your healthcare provider can provide a list of exercises to fit your needs.

Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is effective in reducing pain, stress, and symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. It can be used as part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to pain management and may be combined with physical therapy, acupuncture, and medication.

1. Maintain healthy body weight. Excess weight, particularly in the abdomen, increases stress on lower back muscles. Your doctor can help identify a healthy weight that is right for you.
2. If you have been inactive for a long period, it’s important to begin a low-impact exercise program to strengthen your back. This may include yoga, fast walking, biking, or swimming.
3. Always stretch before exercising or performing any physical activity that may be demanding.
4. Don’t slouch—it increases pressure on the back.
5. Good footwear is important. Wear shoes that are comfortable and low to the ground.
6. Do not lift objects that are too heavy for you, like boxes or furniture. If you must lift, bend your knees, don’t twist your body, and keep your head pointed down and in line with your back.

Pain treatment is determined on an individualized basis, as no two patients present with identical pain issues. An effective evaluation of an individual with chronic pain and coexisting disorders, including problems with capsules, requires a multidisciplinary team approach. At times substance dependence or addiction can be caused by the misuse of chronic pain opiate treatments. So, consult a doctor and get pain management medications to experience the relief you are looking for.

Our chronic pain doctors understand that the best treatment for you requires them to utilize appropriate treatments as indicated by your history and present symptoms. We also believe it is imperative to work together with you to create the most successful individualized treatment plan for the best chances of recovery.