Chronic Back Pain Diagnosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic back pain is not the same thing as the stiff and sore back you may suffer from time to time after undertaking tasks that require lifting, bending or reaching. This temporary pain usually dissipates in a couple of days. Chronic back pain may persist for at least three months before you experience relief, and even then it may return. Most people who suffer from chronic nonspecific back pain benefit from one of more conventional remedies including medications, exercise and, in severe cases, surgery.

Wait & See

• Chronic low back pain doesn't always mean that medical attention is needed immediately. Your doctor may recommend "watchful waiting" and hold off on any treatment to see if the pain dissipates with self-care methods.

  Your doctor will want to discuss your medical history when considering this approach, since chronic low back pain can be a warning sign of other conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis or trauma.

Non-Medicinal Treatment

• In some cases your doctor may recommend the use of a back brace or corsets (lumbar supports for the part of the back between the ribs and the hipbones). This equipment can be purchased at medical supply outlets and pharmacies without a prescription. Back braces are designed to support your abdomen and relieve some of the weight placed on your lower back.

  The Mayo Clinic says some studies suggest that heat therapy helps relieve nonspecific back pain. In addition, cold packs or ice applied to your back can reduce inflammation and swelling by narrowing blood vessels.

Physical Therapy

• Spinal manipulation is usually used in conjunction with other treatments. A chiropractor or osteopathic physician uses their hands to massage or stimulate the spine or surrounding tissues.

  Physical activity on your own or under the supervision of a physical therapist can help relieve chronic back pain. A therapeutic exercise program can include strength training, flexing, stretching, aerobics and endurance training. Talk to your doctor before you begin physical therapy measures.

Pain Relievers

• If your chronic low back pain is mild to moderate, over-the counter pain medications may ease your discomfort. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB).

  You may also consider topical counterirritants, which include Bengay, Icy Hot and capsaicin (Zostrix).These creams rouse your sensory receptors and may temporarily relieve chronic.

  In more severe cases, narcotic medications (opioid analgesics) may be prescribed to alleviate low back pain. These include morphine (MS Contin, Oramorph SR.)

Surgery

• The National Institute of Health says surgery for chronic back pain is generally used only when all other treatment methods have been unable to provide satisfactory relief.

  Two common procedures are diskectomy and spinal fusion. A diskectomy involves removing the herniated portion of a disk to reduce irritation and inflammation of a nerve.

  Spinal fusion permanently attaches two or more bones in your spine. This procedure may stop the painful motion between vertebrae that is often caused by a deteriorated or injured disk.