What is chronic back pain
The majority of people will experience some back pain in their lifetime and will usually get better on its own within three months. Chronic pain is described as pain that last for more than three months. There is nothing more discouraging than to realize you may be in pain for the rest of your life, relying of pain medications just to get through the day. Today, there are many treatment options available, but before proper treatment can be initiated, your back specialist must determine what is the source of your pain.
Chronic back can be constant, intermittent, or occurs only when the body is in certain positions or during certain activities. It can be a dull ache …show more content…
Spinal stenosis is also part of the aging process and is the narrowing of the spinal column which causing pressure on the spinal cord. Stenosis can affect any part of the spine but is more serious in the cervical region. It is very important to get a proper diagnosis from your back specialist.
How is a Diagnosis Made?
Your back specialist will want to do some tests before a treatment plan is initiated which may include spinal x-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s. These tests will check the condition of the spine, the vertebrae and will show if there is any misalignment, arthritis, stenosis, sciatica, or any other problems that may exist. Your back specialist will then recommend a treatment plan for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
What are some Treatment Options
Depending on the condition of your spine, your back specialist may recommend pain medication. Over the counter medications are options and include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin. Many of these can cause stomach and digestive problems. Your back specialist can prescribe stronger medications that do not affect the stomach as