Managing chronic back pain
At some point, almost everyone experiences back pain. You may have strained a muscle while working out, lifting a heavy object, or simply bending over. Acute back pain (meaning a short-term episode) typically results from this kind of injury. It often resolves on its own with rest and the use of hot or cold compresses. You might be advised to take over-the-counter topical remedies and medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) — for both pain and inflammation.
However, chronic back pain (lasting more than 12 weeks) can be more challenging to diagnose and treat. “Finding the exact cause of chronic back pain can be tricky, as it could be related to many factors,” says Christopher Morin, a physical therapist with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Here’s how the process works for diagnosing and treating chronic back pain.