Chronic back pain

If you’ve been experiencing back pain for more than three months, it’s referred to as chronic back pain. This pain is usually located in the lower back. Curious to learn more, including possible causes and treatment options? Feel free to read on—we’re happy to explain.

What is chronic back pain?

Chronic back pain is a condition that persists continuously or returns frequently. The symptoms don’t go away on their own, and the pain may radiate to the arms and/or legs. It is considered chronic when the pain lasts longer than three months. To avoid the pain, many people reduce their movement. This can lead to weakened muscles and decreased load capacity of the back.

Possible causes of chronic back pain

Chronic back pain can have various causes. The most common include:

• Poor posture: Maintaining an incorrect posture over a long period forces certain muscles to work harder. This can lead to muscle tension, which in turn causes physical stress and may result in chronic back pain.
• Excessive strain: Overloading the back can cause pain to become chronic. This includes lifting objects that are too heavy or using improper lifting techniques.
• A herniated disc
• Disc problems

Other potential causes of chronic back pain include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Alcohol and smoking
• Stress
• Lack of sleep

Treatment

Chronic back pain can be very disruptive and limit your daily activities. Don’t wait too long to address your symptoms, as they may worsen over time. We recommend visiting a physical therapist or specialist to support your recovery. It’s also important to keep moving. Regular movement keeps your muscles, ligaments, and joints flexible. Do you work at a desk? Try changing your posture frequently and take short walking breaks.

Additionally, wearing a back brace can help relieve symptoms. You can wear it for support during daily activities. It’s advised to wear the brace as long as you experience discomfort. Once your symptoms begin to decrease, it’s best to stop using the brace.