Chronic Back Pain: Causes And Cures

The most common causes of chronic back pain include sports injuries, accidents, and health conditions such as migraines, arthritis, sciatica, spinal degeneration, diabetes, shingles, and cancer. Ageing is another common cause of back pain. As you grow older, the bone strength and muscle elasticity tend to decrease. The vertebrae are normally cushioned by spongy pads of cartilages commonly known as intervertebral discs. These discs act like shock absorbers for the spinal column and provide flexibility for the movement of the back. When people stretch or lift very heavy objects, it might cause a strain or a spasm in the muscles or the ligaments of the back. This can further rupture the discs resulting in severe back pain.

Back pain can be diagnosed by x-ray imaging, discography, CT-scans, MRI scans, electrodiagnostic procedures, and bone scans.

Common lines of treatment for chronic back pain are listed below:

• Hot and cold compresses: Hot and cold compresses can help in reducing pain and inflammation in patients suffering from chronic back pain. If a person has suffered a lower back injury, a cold compress should be immediately applied several times a day for about 20 minutes. Hot compresses can be followed up after 2-3 days of the cold compress treatment.
• Bed rest: Complete bed rest for 1-2 days is also recommended for patients suffering from severe back pain. The patient should also try to lie on one side with a pillow in between the knees to help reduce the pain.
• Exercise: Exercising under guidance from a physiotherapist is very helpful in building up muscle strength.
• Medications: Various medicines such as over-the-counter analgesics, anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, and opioids are very helpful in treating severe back pain.