Chronic Lower Back Pain
Millions of people suffer from chronic lower back pain and finding relief can be a lifelong pursuit. The spine runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis and provides support and stability to the entire body. An erect, healthy spine enables people to walk, sit, stand or run without discomfort. However, injury to the lower spine can cause chronic and debilitating pain which requires prolonged treatment. Victims of motor vehicle accidents, falls, or degenerative diseases may spend years trying to get relief from compressed vertebrae or slipped discs. Even busy executives, typists and administrative assistants that spend hours sitting in one position may experience chronic lower back pain. Pregnant women, athletes, and workers who must spend hours standing are all prime sufferers of enduring or frequently recurring spinal discomfort. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).Thousands of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs exist to combat chronic lower back pain. Doctors may prescribe stronger dosages of ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen than those that can be purchased over the counter. One visit to a local pharmacy reveals hundreds of types of pain medication — some more effective than others. Effective management involves finding the right medication or combination of medicines to alleviate suffering or gradually remove the inflammation which causes persistent discomfort. Patients can remain on medications for years, but the side effects are a serious consideration. And painkillers do very little to reverse the underlying cause of lumbar spasms or recurring discomfort. Patients may be concerned about becoming addicted to medications by taking prolonged dosages; and physicians may limit intake over a period of time. Doctors frequently prescribe lower dosages for long term management, along with medications to counteract the adverse affects of prescription drugs. Over a prolonged period of time, some medicines may erode stomach linings or cause damage to vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys or liver.
Two commonly used solutions for chronic lower back pain are surgery or chiropractic care. Persistent distress caused by pinched nerves, slipped discs, or degeneration of spinal nerves or tissue may require surgery. Back surgery may include repairing spinal blockages, rebuilding bones in the spinal column by grafting bone tissue from other parts of the body, or reconnecting discs with metal pins. Surgery may or may not be successful in alleviating discomfort. Over time, spinal surgeries or injections to reduce pain can become ineffective. And because the spine supports the majority of the body’s weight, re-injury is highly likely. A sudden twist or turn, motor vehicle accident, or fall can easily re-injure and cause patients to suffer more discomfort. Recovering from surgery is also an arduous process; and patients’ ability to recover depends on several factors, including overall health.
Chiropractic care for chronic lower back pain involves gradually manipulating the bones of the spine over a number of weeks until the back is realigned. Chiropractors assert that most people’s spines get out of alignment through the natural aging process or after an accident or fall. They maintain that a gradual manipulation to restore alignment helps to alleviate pressure placed on delicate nerves or cartilage, which separates and cushions bones. Some patients report improvement after undergoing weeks of spinal manipulation and therapy, just as patients report a reduction of chronic lower back pain after surgery. The decision to undergo surgery or have chiropractic care is an individual one. Patients who suffer from frequent or recurring spinal discomfort should have a physician or chiropractor examine and x-ray the spine to determine the cause of chronic suffering. The decision for surgery or spinal manipulation will depend on the diagnosis, cost for either procedure, and whether healthcare providers feel that either option will provide prolonged relief.
Certain lifestyle changes may also offer relief for sufferers of chronic lower back pain. Continued discomfort may be caused by poor posture, ill fitting shoes, or an aging mattress. Before committing to surgery or chiropractic care, patients may try improving posture while sitting or standing. Typists or those who sit at a desk all day should try to keep the head aligned with the spine, avoid slouching, and take frequent breaks away from the desk. Balancing a book on top of the head is a good way to practice proper posture. Instead of buying shoes off the rack, chronic sufferers may consider going to a podiatrist to have the feet properly sized and order custom made shoes. Women who wear high heels should be aware that sexy shoes may contribute to back problems. High heels tend to pitch the body forward in an unnatural posture; but switching to flats which offer more support may help alleviate lumbar spasms. Sleeping on an old mattress may also contribute to back pain. Investing in a comfortable mattress with the right firmness may be expensive, but well worth relieving chronic suffering. Placing a pillow under the knees while sleeping on one’s back can also relieve spinal pressure.
In the final analysis, chronic lower back pain is subjective. No two cases may be alike; and patients may have to explore different avenues to get prolonged relief. Men and women who take medication for frequent or recurrent discomfort should be aware of the dangers of continued use of prescription drugs and consult with a physician about alternative solutions should drugs prove to be ineffective. Candidates for surgery or chiropractic care should be fully informed about each procedure, recovery rates, and possible side effects or continued care. Making the decision to go under the knife, endure physical therapy, or try alternative non-surgical means of achieving relief from persistent pain in the lower back is a purely personal one. Most chronic suffers are willing to explore all options to get sustained relief from debilitating discomfort.