Back pain is deemed chronic if it lasts three months or longer. Although it may come and go, often leading to temporary relief, it can still be followed by frustration. According to Medical News Today, back pain is an extensive problem, with low back pain affecting an estimated 80% of adults at some points in their lives. 

The pain may grow immediately as a result of a muscle strain caused by heavy lifting or an accident. In other cases, conditions including osteoporosis, arthritis, or scoliosis can cause back pain. Depending on the cause, doctors may advise surgery to cure chronic back pain. But surgery is not always needed. There are certain treatment options that can improve or relieve back pain such as home remedies, alternative medicine, and lifestyle changes. Thus, you may want to try these options before deciding on surgery. 

Dealing with chronic back pain is about trying if you don’t know the cause. In this article, we are going to share with you insights into usual chronic back pain causes and nonsurgical treatment options. 

Familiar Causes of Chronic Back Pain 

Persistent back pain is normally age-related, but can also develop due to a prior injury. The most common causes are: 

• Arthritis of the spine. The slow diminishing of the cartilage inside the spine. 
• Spinal stenosis. The constrictive spinal canal may result in nerve pain.          
• Disc problems. Problems including herniated or bulging disc. 
• Myofascial pain syndrome. Undetermined muscle pain and tenderness. 

In several cases, it’s tricky to identify the cause of chronic back pain. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, if you think that your doctor has used up all diagnostic options, it’s time to consult for a second opinion from a back pain specialist. Don’t rush into making a decision or undergo extensive medical procedures until the cause of the pain is pinpointed.                               

If the origin of the pain is not known or can’t be attended to, your greatest option may be to work with your doctor on lessening the flare-ups and making the pain manageable with nonsurgical treatments. 

#1 Acupuncture 

This traditional Chinese Medicine practice is used for a variety of ailments, from chronic diseases to chronic pain. A practitioner of acupuncture inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture may help to put back function and relieve pain in some people who have chronic low back pain. Additionally, according to Medical News Today, a meta-analysis has identified that acupuncture provides relief for chronic pain that may continue to work well over time. 

#2 Weight Loss 

The back muscles, joints, and bones work hard to hold up the body as a person moves, sits, and stands. Most of the time being overweight can cause back pain due to increased pressure on the spine and strain of the back muscles. Research found out that obesity has links to high levels of low back pain and disability in men. 

Losing weight could help reduce some or all of a person’s back pain if weight is a contributing factor. A person who’s overweight may wish to work with their doctor to find ways to lose weight. 

#3 Have Regular Massages 

Going for a massage can boost circulation, ease stress, relax muscles, and promote endorphins. The pain relievers naturally produced by the body. There are massage therapists that do home service. If it’s painful for you to lie on a padded table, you can use a massage chair instead. According to Spine-health.com, there’s research that shows that massage does more than just feel good; most people find massage actually helps reduce their back pain. 

If you’ve never heard of osteopathy, it’s a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that intends to refine health across all body systems. A physician in this area will focus on the joints, muscles, and spine. Osteopathic manipulation utilizes body massage skills to control the spinal tissue using the hands and applying pressure next to the back muscles and facet joints. The intervention can help treat back pains and postural problems, so consider getting a treatment. 

#4 Mindfulness and Meditation 

Chronic back pain is strenuous both physically and emotionally. To control the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological characteristics of dealing with chronic pain, you may get a consultation to a rehabilitation psychologist. This professional may suggest meditation, yoga, tai chi and other cognitive relaxation techniques to keep your mind from focusing on pain. 

#5 Lifestyle Moderations 

If you have chronic back pain, it’s crucial to take limitations and adapt. Hear what your body is telling you and learn to pace yourself. Pause and have a break when lifting heavy things or doing strenuous household chores. Be aware of the activities that may worsen your pain and avoid them if possible. Doing this will not only help your back feel better, but it can also prevent the hidden condition from advancing. 

And if you are a smoker, this could just worsen things. It would be best to have a lifestyle change that gives up smoking. Nicotine is scientifically recognized to point up pain and delay healing.