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A lower back pain
which persists for more than 3 months is known as ‘chronic lower
back pain.’ And the pain gradually increases in these months.
Moreover, chronic back pain is not a
simple back problem but is a symptom of a serious medical condition
like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degeneration of the discs,
osteoporosis or some infection. It needs to be immediately brought to
the attention of a physician. The treatment would usually include
medicines together with exercises and certain accessories or
therapies.
Treatment is generally towards curing
the problems which causes it. In case of obesity it would mean
reduction of weight. Again in the case of a slipped disc, or a back
injury, treatment is basically a set of exercises under a
physiotherapist, and making a habit of certain posture. These
exercises are aimed at increasing the endurance and flexibility of
the muscles. They also include certain changes in lifestyle such
giving up smoking, changing conditions of work and maintaining an
active outdoor life if the patient is too much home-bound.
Many a times, chronic
pain can also be caused by an emotional trauma and anxiety and in
that case moral and emotional support can be of great help. Some
psychotherapies are also available for deep and complicated
depression.
Surgery may be necessary to cure
intolerable pain which is generally when the pain is caused by some
serious injury like a fracture of the ligament or dislocation owing
to the outgrowth of a certain tissue. But an operation will only be
after various physical and pathological examination and therapies.
Many patients also obtain relief from
certain techniques of managing the pain such as acupuncture and
acupressure. These are very helpful but one should always be careful
of the source of the treatment and the practitioners. Therefore a
chronic lower back pain should not undermine one’s confidence of
life. With proper care and regulation it can be successfully healed.
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