Chronic Low Back Pain
Description
Back pain is something nearly everyone experiences. But persistent low back pain⎯the kind that lasts three or more months⎯requires evaluation and treatment by a medical professional. Learn more about what causes chronic low back pain, and how it’s relieved.
Causes & Triggers
- Aging
- Arthritis
- Bone diseases
- Bone lesions
- Diabetes
- Disc degeneration
- Herniated disc
- Injury
- Muscle irrigation
- Nerve compression
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal deformities
- Strains or sprains
- Viral infections
Signs & Symptoms
- Bladder control issues
- Limited range of motion
- Pain (especially sitting, standing, bending, twisting)
- Shooting pain down the leg
- Weakness in legs
Tips & Treatment
- Contrary to what some may think, most physicians suggest avoiding bed rest in favor of staying as active as possible.
- Symptoms may be relieved with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or participating in physician-recommended exercise.
- Non-surgical treatment may include icing affected area, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or complementary medicine, such as acupuncture.
- Depending on the root cause of the chronic low back pain and the response to other treatments and therapies, surgery may prove helpful.
