What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

Back pain is a common condition affecting people of all genders and ages, particularly those who work long hours or maintain improper sitting postures.

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Chronic Back Pain

Some individuals experience mild back pain that resolves on its own, while others suffer from severe, chronic discomfort that significantly affects their daily lives. Understanding the underlying causes of back pain is essential in order to seek appropriate and timely treatment.

Why Do We Experience Back Pain?

Back pain refers to aching, stiffness, tension, or soreness in the back. It may result from maintaining improper spinal posture for extended periods, such as prolonged sitting at work or using a computer setup that lacks proper ergonomic support. Additionally, incorrect movements—such as lifting heavy objects improperly or twisting the neck or back—can contribute to the development of chronic back pain over time.

Risk Factors for Back Pain

Lack of Physical Activity: Weak spinal and core muscles may fail to provide adequate support.
Obesity or Overweight: Excess body weight places increased stress on the spine.
Heavy Lifting: Repeatedly lifting heavy objects raises the risk of spinal injury.
Prolonged Sitting: Office work or floor-based activities can contribute to chronic discomfort.
Vibrations and Shocks: Activities such as long-distance driving or motorcycle riding may trigger back pain.
Stress or Anxiety: Emotional stress can lead to muscle tension and physical discomfort.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Pain in the back that may radiate to the hips or legs
Numbness or tingling along the affected nerve pathways
Dull, persistent pain with little or no relief
Pain triggered or worsened by certain positions, coughing, sneezing, or twisting movements
Difficulty urinating or pain in the lower back or genital area

Treatment Based on Symptoms — Not Always Surgery

Treatment for chronic back pain depends on the duration of symptoms and the severity of spinal structural damage. There are three main treatment approaches:

1. Conservative Treatment

Includes physical therapy and medication to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

2. Surgical Treatment

Recommended when conservative treatment is ineffective or when structural correction of the spine is necessary.

3. Non-Surgical Spine Interventions

Minimally invasive procedures that help relieve back pain without the need for surgery:

Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB):
Injection of medication into the affected nerve roots in the cervical or lumbar spine to reduce localized pain and inflammation.
Nucleoplasty:
A procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reduce pressure within an intervertebral disc by partially liquefying the gel-like nucleus.
Vertebroplasty:
A technique involving the injection of bone cement into a fractured vertebra to restore bone strength and provide immediate pain relief. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (C-arm) guidance.
Balloon Kyphoplasty:
A balloon is inserted into a compressed vertebra to restore vertebral height, followed by bone cement injection to stabilize the spine and reduce deformity.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing persistent or worsening back pain, it is advisable to consult a spine specialist to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Early and accurate intervention can help relieve pain, prevent long-term complications, and significantly improve quality of life.