As we get older, pain often seems like something we have to contend with. While some things, like arthritis, are primarily aging ailments that you have to get accustomed to, not all pain is something that you should acclimate yourself to managing. This is very true for lower back pain.
There are certainly exercises and stretches that you can do to help relieve pain, but some recurring pain should be addressed instead of being ignored. Sometimes there are things that can be done to cure the pain. Other times the pain can be an indication of something worse.
When you experience the same pain, take the time to get it checked out instead of writing it off. Believing that old age is the excuse for the pain is like believing that pain is gain – you can end up doing yourself a lot more harm than good.
Defining Chronic Pain
The first time you feel pain, you immediately wonder why you are hurting. The reason that so many people don’t have this kind of reaction to chorionic pain is that they get accustomed to the pain.
To help you understand the kind of pain you should not be ignoring, you need to understand what chronic pain is. Pain can be in any part of your body, but if you experience the same pain for more than three months, that is considered chronic pain. This is true even if the pain does not occur in exactly the same place.
The following are the most common types of chronic pain.
- Lower back pain
- Joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Headaches and migraines
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Many things can cause chronic pain, the following are the most common causes:
- Regular strain and sprain
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs
- Injury (both old and new)
- Fibromyalgia
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Cancer
- Lack of foot support
Some of these are easy to manage, and others are more difficult, or even potentially fatal. Since you cannot be completely certain what is causing your pain, it is best to address the pain.
Ignoring it can not only make it worse, you could be missing important alarms from your body that something more serious is wrong. People often assume pain that isn’t too bad isn’t something serious or is bearable. This can lead to missing vital clues of a much more dangerous condition.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Pain
Even if the back pain seems manageable, and even if it isn’t a more serious condition that requires immediate medical condition, no one should become accustomed to pain on a regular basis.
Doctors May Seek a More Drastic Answer
Finding the root of the problem can spare you from more severe pain in the future. It will also mean taking a more hands-on approach to taking care of your body. Dull pain can be managed with a few over the counter pain relievers, but those can do damage to other parts of your body after years of use.
It can be worse when your pain gets worse and your doctor prescribes something stronger. Getting scans of your back may be essential, but stronger medication rarely is. Typically, chronic pain shouldn’t require either (unless it is severe). If you wait for the pain to be severe, you are more likely to be given stronger medication, which can be addictive. It also only masks the problem by dulling you to the pain.
When ignored for a year, chronic back pain can become more severe, and your only option may eventually be surgery. This is not only expensive, it is unnecessary if you start listening to your body when the pain starts.
Starting to Reduce or Eliminate the Pain
When you have dull to mild back pain regularly, that is your back telling you that you need to change your habits. This will be difficult in the beginning, but it is definitely worth the annoyance and initial discomfort.
Researchers have found that people who do manual labor are less likely to experience chronic back pain than people who work in offices. Part of the problem is that the human spine was not designed to sit for long periods of time.
Since people who have office jobs don’t have the option to move around as much, you need to be aware of ways to keep from causing chronic back pain. Many of these you already suspect, such as sitting with good posture. Having an ergonomically correct chair does not absolve you from sitting properly.
If you sit all day, make sure to stand up at least once an hour to stretch your back. If you stand most of the day, make sure to shift your position, as well as standing with good posture. Your doctor can give you other details on habits you can change to reduce or eliminate pain.
Some causes of the problems, such as lack of foot support, are really easy to fix too. Seeing a doctor and making sure that you are wearing shoes that help support your back (particularly if you spend a lot of time on your feet). This can significantly reduce back pain, as well as feet and leg pain.
You can also opt to use devices that have been specifically designed to help eliminate back pain in a unique and natural way. One great product on the market that is revolutionizing the way back pain is treated is the Chirp Wheel. This product is a circular wheel that you roll over your back. It puts pressure on the muscles located next to your spine. During the rolling process, the muscles are stretched out and strengthened at the same time. You are allowing the tension in your muscles to release, which leads to less aches and pains in your back.
Beyond Just a Visit to the Doctor
One of the most interesting recent studies about chronic lower back pain was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. The study included 320 adults who participated in one of two classes for 8 weeks. At the end participants of the cognitive behavioral therapy class saw a greater reduction of pain than those who participated in the usual type of care given to those with chronic pain.
The study shows that changes in behavior can be more effective than simple treatment. While you should definitely visit your doctor, you need to be prepared for changes to your current lifestyle to get rid of the pain.
If you have chronic lower back pain, don’t simply accept it. Make an appointment with your doctor to make sure that it isn’t something more serious. Even if it isn’t, you don’t have to spend the rest of your life dealing with it.
The best way to stop chronic pain is to be more aware of your habits. A doctor can help you get on the right track, but it is up to you to change your habits to reduce or eliminate chronic pain.
A chiropractor for chronic lower back pain is also a good option for you. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult with a medical professional near you or you can visit my clinic Top Wasilla Chiropractors AK.
About Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells is the author of over 700+ online articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. These articles include various types of information about how you can live a healthy and happy life. He founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998. Dr. Wells has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and has treated thousands of patients who suffer from varying problems. He continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.
