Chronic pain is complex and widespread. According to the National Institutes of Health, it affects an estimated 100 million American adults. One of the most common forms is lower back pain. Below are several conditions that commonly cause it, along with what treatment usually involves.
Degenerative disc disease
As discs age, they cushion the spine less effectively
Degenerative disc disease becomes increasingly common with age. Over the years the discs between the vertebrae thin and weaken, losing the cushioning they once provided. The result can be persistent pain and reduced flexibility.
Exercise helps. Staying physically active strengthens the core muscles that support the spine, which can reduce discomfort.
Avoiding activities that strain the spine, such as heavy lifting or long uninterrupted periods of sitting, also matters. There is no cure for disc degeneration, but preventive steps make living with it considerably easier.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc can press on nerves and cause pain
A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, occurs when a disc ruptures or tears.
When the outer layer tears, some of the inner material can push outward and press on nearby nerves.
This can be extremely painful, and left unaddressed it can contribute to chronic pain and further complications.
Treatment varies with the individual and ranges from physical therapy through to surgical options. Stretching regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking all support disc health.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress nerves
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves and cause pain well beyond the back itself.
Depending on where the narrowing occurs, pain may appear in the neck, back, arms, legs, or feet. Associated symptoms include difficulty standing for long periods, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and muscle weakness.
Diagnosis usually involves medical history, physical examination, imaging such as X-ray or MRI, and sometimes nerve conduction studies.
Treatment depends on the type and severity, and may include anti-inflammatory medication, injections, or surgery.
Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis can affect any joint, including those in the spine
Osteoarthritis is among the most common forms of arthritis, affecting an estimated 26 million Americans. Cartilage breakdown and joint damage cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
It can occur in any joint, including the facet joints of the spine. While most common in older adults, it also affects younger people who are highly active or who have had a sudden joint injury.
Treatment typically starts with reducing load on the affected area, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and attending to posture. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be used for symptom relief, and joint replacement is considered when conservative care is exhausted.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Trigger points in muscle can become a persistent source of pain
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic and frequently misunderstood condition in which trigger points in muscle become painful.
Contributing factors include trauma or physical stress, sustained poor posture, inflammation, and other medical conditions.
Symptoms may include localized pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep, low mood or anxiety, and reduced range of motion or strength.
Treatment depends on the individual, but often includes medication to reduce inflammation and relax the muscle, stretching, and physical therapy. Trigger point injections are an option for appropriately diagnosed myofascial pain.
Getting help for chronic low back pain in Phoenix
These are a few of the conditions that lead to chronic back pain, and telling them apart requires an evaluation.
At Canyon Pain Center our team includes specialists in pain management, chiropractic, and family medicine. Treatment plans are individual, combining medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, with interventional options such as nerve blocks and injections where they are clinically appropriate.
A referral from your medical provider is required to establish care. Start a new patient request and our team will walk you through what is needed.