Back pain

Chronic back pain is usually a mechanical dysfunction in the back. This is usually from injury or degeneration of the vertebrae in the spine. It is diagnosed if back pain has been present for longer than 3 months and if the original cause of the back pain (such as a muscular injury) has been treated and fixed. Tumors, kidney stones, endometriosis, infections or other inflammatory diseases of the joints can on occasion cause it. It is vital to first have these causes ruled out, as they are medical emergencies.

Pain Management Options

• Physical therapy
• TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical nerve therapy)
• Nerve blocks/ release
• Spinal manipulation and spinal remobilization
• Medication
• Epidural steroid injections
• Back surgery

There are some symptoms that need urgent care from a medical professional. For example, if you are experiencing severe back pain after a fall or sports injury, you need to seek medical care. If you have had cancer in the past, long-term steroid use and a weak immune system, communicate this to your doctor during your consultation. Major warning signs include loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin area, leg weakness, fever, and pain when urinating. In addition, your medical history should always be accounted for.

More Chronic Conditions

• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia