Back pain can be considered chronic if it lasts for at least three months, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is one of the most common reasons people seek medical treatment or miss work.
Everyday Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain
Take Deep Breaths
Once back pain begins to kick in, the body tends to tense up. Try to breathe deeply and visualize the breath going to the part of your body in pain. Other stress management techniques like meditation may help as well.
Challenge Yourself
If you spend too much time in your comfort zone, taking it easy, you run the risk of only making your pain worse with time. It’s paradoxical, but not moving to avoid triggering pain just makes your muscles weaker in the long run.
Set Realistic Goals
This goes hand-in-hand with the last tip. Challenging yourself doesn’t mean literally climbing a mountaintop. Set expectations that you know you can meet, but that still pushes you out of your comfort zone bit by bit.
Reach Out
Chronic pain is isolating. Fight back against the isolating effects by building a social support net, joining a support group, or booking sessions with a physical therapist.
Find Treatment
There is no shame in seeking treatment for any health condition, whether that be the flu, depression, or chronic back pain.
The future of chronic pain treatment is fast expanding, with innovative new treatments like ketamine infusion therapy promising exciting results for those suffering from treatment-resistant chronic pain.
Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain
Back pain symptoms typically range from muscle to shooting and burning sensations. The pain is also known to sometimes radiate down your leg or worsen with movement.
Back pain can be caused by any number of things, and often goes away on its own with time. But there are some warning signs that mean you should contact your doctor:
- If it persists a few weeks
- If it is severe and does not improve with rest
- If it spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
- If it causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- If it is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- If it causes new bowel or bladder problems
- If it is accompanied by a fever
- If it follows a fall, blow to your back, or other injuries
Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Unfortunately, chronic back pain is often the result of a cause your doctor can not identify with testing or study. However, conditions commonly linked to back pain include the following:
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Bulging or ruptured disks
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Risk Factors For Developing Chronic Back Pain Include:
- Older age
- Lack of exercise
- Excess weight
- Diseases
- Improper lifting
- Psychological conditions like depression or anxiety
- Smoking
Are You Suffering From Chronic Back Pain?
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, and other treatments have failed to provide relief, contact Evexia Wellness Centers and discover how ketamine for chronic back pain can help you.