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December 17, 2025Back pain is a common symptom, and it may lead to functional impairment. While acute pain usually resolves within a few weeks, chronic conditions persist for months or even years. This symptom affects physical mobility, but it also influences overall well-being. Here is more information on this symptom, what causes it, and the available treatment options:
What Is Chronic Back Pain?
Medical professionals define chronic back pain as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, and it persists even after the initial injury or underlying cause has been treated. It differs from acute pain because the nervous system continues sending pain signals to the brain for an extended period. The sensation ranges from a dull ache to a sharp burn.
What Causes It?
Age-related changes in the spine frequently precipitate chronic pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis deteriorate the cartilage protecting the joints, and spinal stenosis narrows the spaces within the spine. These degenerative processes place pressure on the nerves or cause friction between the vertebrae.
Structural abnormalities are another cause. Bulging or ruptured disks fail to cushion the vertebrae effectively, so they press against sensitive nerve roots. Skeletal irregularities like scoliosis curve the spine abnormally, placing uneven stress on muscles and ligaments.
Previous injuries sometimes fail to heal completely. Fractures or severe sprains may result in structural instability and scar tissue formation. Lifestyle factors such as poor posture or obesity contribute to back strain, and a lack of exercise weakens the supporting core muscles.
What Are the Accompanying Symptoms?
Patients may describe the pain as a persistent dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation. Radiating pain suggests nerve involvement, and it may worsen during prolonged sitting or standing. Physical limitations usually accompany the sensory symptoms. Stiffness in the morning is a frequent experience, and flexibility decreases over time.
How Is Daily Life Impacted?
Functional mobility is a common area of decline. Simple activities like bending to tie shoes or lifting grocery bags become arduous, and walking long distances requires frequent breaks. The inability to perform household chores necessitates assistance, leading to a loss of independence.
Occupational performance suffers due to physical discomfort. Sitting at a desk or standing for shifts exacerbates the pain, and concentration may wane as fatigue sets in. Sleep patterns are disrupted because finding a pain-free position is difficult, disrupting adequate recovery.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Non-surgical methods are used first to treat pain. Back braces provide external stability during activity, while medications help reduce inflammation and alleviate spasms. Spinal injections deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space, thereby reducing inflammation around irritated nerves. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to target specific nerves, disrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Surgical intervention is reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments. Structural issues are corrected through procedures including:
- Disc replacement to restore height and movement.
- Spinal fusion to eliminate motion at a painful segment.
- Foraminotomy to widen the spinal canal.
- Kyphoplasty to repair compression fractures.
Find Relief Today
Living with chronic back pain presents numerous challenges, necessitating medical intervention. A comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist determines the root cause, and a tailored treatment plan addresses specific symptoms. Schedule a consultation today to find relief from chronic pain.
