Chronic back pain is one of the most prevalent and costly health problems in the United States. If back pain lasts for 12 weeks or more after treatment of the initial damage, then it is chronic. Consequently, chronic pain comes after the injury has healed. Furthermore, 7% of all Americans who sustain a low back injury will develop chronic pain. This is according to a compilation of the most recent statistics from reliable sources and listed on the website www.thegoodbody.com,
Chronic pain often falls into three categories:
- Pain from a specific injury. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis can produce consistent back pain. This pain may continue until treatment is successful. In these situations, a surgical procedure may be a necessary option.
- Pain from an unknown source. The symptoms may not have a clear source, as it is less likely that there is a close connection to the initial injury because the soft tissue has completely healed.
- Neuropathic pain. This type of pain occurs when particular nerves continue to relay pain impulses to the brain even though the original problem no longer exists.
In addition to physical symptoms, chronic back pain also has a psychological component. Individuals often experience a cascade of thoughts and emotions like anxiety, depression, and fear. Suffering can be a part of this scenario, and people may develop certain behaviors. These include:
- Frequently discussing the pain
- Trying to reduce or eliminate it by changing normal posture, walking pattern, and speed of movement.
Successful treatment of chronic back pain often involves healthcare providers from a variety of specialties such as:
- A physiatrist who will concentrate on rehabilitation of muscle, bone, and nerve tissue
- An anesthesiologist who will perform pain management techniques such as spinal cord stimulation and image-guided injections
- A clinical psychologist who will address emotional and environmental matters
Developing the right action plan will involve an open and honest discussion between the healthcare providers and the patient. The aim of which is to pinpoint the exact nature of the pain and review previous ineffective treatments. That way, doctors are able to make the best possible clinical judgment.
If you suffer from unresolved back pain and are interested in learning about treatments that we provide, please call our offices in New Braunfels or Seguin.
