How to Treat Chronic Back Pain

4 January 2024
Allen Yang

Last updated on April 3, 2024

Living with chronic back pain is something many of us can relate to, and it can make even simple everyday tasks feel like a challenge. This guide covers various strategies for managing chronic back pain and offers practical tips to help make activities like sitting, standing, walking, and lifting easier and less painful.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic low back pain or seeking ways to get rid of chronic back pain, this guide is tailored to provide you with the knowledge and strategies needed for effective management and relief.

Table of Contents

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

The journey to effectively treat chronic back pain begins with a thorough medical evaluation. A professional assessment is important to understand the specific nature of your pain.

Medical history and physical examinations play a pivotal role in forming an accurate diagnosis, which is the foundation of a treatment plan that works.

Identifying Underlying Causes

Understanding the root cause of acute back pain is essential to understanding how to treat chronic back pain. Common causes include:

Spinal Cord Issues
Muscular Imbalances
Inflammatory Conditions
Degenerative Changes (Degenerative Disc Disease)
Lifestyle Factors
Postural Strain
Traumatic Injury
Stress-Related Muscle Tension
Nerve Compression
Overuse Injuries
Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Diagnostic tests and imaging, such as MRI scans or X-rays, are often used to gain a clearer picture of the underlying issues contributing to your pain.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Back pain is a deeply personal experience, varying significantly from one individual to another.
This understanding shapes our approach to treatment, where we create personalised plans that cater to the specific needs and pain patterns of each patient. Once there is a clearer indication of the cause, knowing how to treat chronic back pain is better understood.

Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

Recognising the complexity of chronic back pain, our treatment plans are comprehensive, incorporating various techniques. This includes:

Exercise Physiology: Exercise physiology is central to our approach and involves tailored exercises to strengthen back muscles, enhance flexibility, and improve posture.
Manual Physiotherapy: Manual physiotherapy technique is selected based on individual needs.
Posture Correction Physiotherapy: Posture correction physiotherapy is used to correct posture that may be influencing back pain.

By adopting this personalised and multifaceted approach, we ensure that each patient receives a treatment plan that is not only effective in alleviating pain but also sustainable in the long term, helping them return to their desired level of activity and improving their overall quality of life.

Pain Management Strategies

Effective pain management is a critical component of chronic back pain treatment. This may include:

Medications for Pain Relief: These can range from over-the-counter options to prescription medications, depending on the severity of the pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Muscle Relaxants: This can help reduce swelling and inflammation to support healing.

Interventional Procedures

For patients whose pain persists, and require a more aggressive approach to treating chronic back pain, interventional procedures like nerve blocks and injections offer significant relief.

These targeted therapies can help in managing pain, especially when conventional methods are insufficient. Our physiotherapists will refer patients, only when it’s absolutely necessary, and in certain situations.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing chronic back pain. Key areas include:

Ergonomics and Posture: Proper body mechanics and ergonomic adjustments can alleviate stress on the back, such as sitting in good-quality chairs to support posture.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in low-impact physical activity helps in maintaining back health, healthy weight and preventing further pain.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

In addition to conventional treatments, complementary therapies can offer additional help to relieve pain:

Acupuncture: An ancient practice that can help in pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Coping with Emotional Impact: Chronic pain can be mentally taxing, making psychological support an integral part of treatment.
Mind-Body Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can be instrumental in managing pain and reducing stress.

Maintaining Long-Term Wellness

Long-term management of chronic back pain includes:

Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups with our physiotherapists and adjustments in your treatment plan as needed.
Preventive Measures: Incorporating daily practices to maintain back health and prevent recurrence of pain.

Conclusion: How to Treat Chronic Back Pain

Knowing how to treat chronic back pain can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is manageable. Understanding the causes, exploring various treatment options, and making lifestyle changes are key to finding relief and improving your quality of life.

Why Choose Infinity Allied Healthcare for Your Lower Back Injury

At Infinity Allied Healthcare, we understand the complexities of chronic back pain. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalised care to help you achieve long-term back pain relief.

Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a pain-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, please read our frequently asked questions below on how to treat chronic back pain:

Is physical therapy a good way to get rid of chronic back pain?

Yes, physical therapy is highly effective in treating chronic back pain. It focuses on strengthening and stabilising the back muscles, improving flexibility, and teaching proper body mechanics, which can significantly alleviate pain and improve function.

What is the best way to manage chronic back pain and prevent making pain worse?

The best way to manage chronic back pain involves a combination of regular physical therapy, maintaining an active lifestyle, using appropriate pain management techniques, and making ergonomic adjustments in daily activities. It’s also important to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.

Why do I have constant chronic pain in my back?

Constant chronic back pain can be due to various factors such as spinal issues, muscular imbalances, degenerative changes, or even lifestyle factors like poor posture or lack of exercise.

What not to do with chronic back pain?

With chronic back pain, it’s important to avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting in poor posture. Also, avoid neglecting the pain or self-medicating without professional advice, as this can lead to further complications.

This blog article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a clinical assessment. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

About The Author

Allen Yang

Allen Yang graduated from Sydney University in 2010 and has been working in the physiotherapy field for almost 10 years. Since young, he has developed great interests in musculoskeletal physiotherapy due to his love for sports throughout his teenage life.  Allen started INFINITY with patient-care in mind. He enjoys helping patients with their problems, as well as sharing his knowledge to fellow physiotherapists for better patient outcomes. 