Managing Chronic Back Pain: What Works?

Understanding Back Pain Causes

80% of adults experience significant back pain at some point. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, muscle strains, and degenerative changes. "Non-specific" back pain often results from complex interactions between physical and psychosocial factors requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

Physical therapy focusing on core stabilization and proper body mechanics forms the foundation of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients develop healthier movement patterns and pain coping strategies. Many find relief through structured programs combining exercise, education, and stress reduction techniques.

Interventional Options

Epidural steroid injections can provide months of relief for nerve-related pain. Radiofrequency ablation disrupts pain signals from facet joints. Newer regenerative treatments like stem cell injections show promise for disc degeneration, though research continues.

Surgical Considerations

Surgery becomes an option when neurological deficits exist or conservative measures fail. Microdiscectomy relieves nerve compression from herniated discs with minimal tissue disruption. Spinal fusion may be necessary for instability, though artificial disc replacement preserves motion in select cases.

Prevention Strategies

Ergonomic workplace setups prevent repetitive strain. Regular exercise maintaining spinal flexibility and core strength is crucial. Proper lifting techniques (bending knees, keeping objects close) reduce injury risk. Stress management also plays a surprisingly significant role in chronic pain prevention.