Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Have you ever had a sore back? Well, I have and it has been almost 4 years of dealing with chronic back pain. I have complained to my Doctor in the past, but when you visit for more than one issue, it seems that they only focused on the first problem described. I now have a new Doctor and we are looking into the issues that weren’t before.

If you are experiencing back almost daily and it last longer than a few months then you probably have chronic back pain. Visit a medical professional to help diagnose and pinpoint the cause.

Dealing with Chronic Back Pain

Have you ever wanted to do something but couldn’t or could only do it in small portions? Every day is a struggle to just stand, sit or go for a walk for long periods of time. Daily chores, like cooking or cleaning, seem to take all day. My husband will do the things that put the most strain on my back.

There are many times plans are made with my daughter and sometimes those plans have to be cancelled because the pain that day is intolerable. My daughter is very understanding and helpful during these times.

Common Causes

• Arthritis of the spine – gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
• Disc problems, such as a herniated disc
• Myofascial pain syndrome – unexplained muscle pain and tenderness

Treatment

Physical Therapy

Exercise is an important aspect in reducing back pain. The type of exercise depends on the level of pain. The therapy I do, may not work for you.

• Changing your posture
• Examining limits of pain endurance
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Aerobics

I go for walks to exercise my legs hoping that it will help but when I return, my back, legs and feet are sore. During the day, while working, I am up and down from my seat multiple times.

Diet

Talk with your doctor to see if your diet could be adding to your chronic back pain and how you might change it. Controlling a healthy weight could also help ease your back pain by decreasing the pressure on your spine.

I have been changing the way we eat for some time now, it has been a slow process but we are getting there.

Lifestyle Changes

• Accept limitations
• Take more breaks
• Avoid activities that worsen the pain

Medication

• anti-inflammatory drugs,
• muscle relaxants

I have Naproxen for pain, there are times I use it but I don’t find it really helps. Taking the meds are avoided most times. The prescription I have will last me months.

Be aware that most come with unwanted side effects and are not intended for prolonged use. Many of them are addictive and don’t help the cause of your pain. If you are relying on opioids to get through the day, it’s time to seek a second opinion.

I am currently doing daily exercises of the physio routine and saving for a proper mattress and computer chair to help with my posture issues.

Do you suffer from chronic pain? How do you deal with it?

I don’t just suffer from back pain, I have arthritis and that is also a daily struggle.