This is what you should do if you have chronic low back pain

Physical effort carries its risks, including the spine, which supports our trunk. Therefore, sudden or poorly executed movements can cause injuries such as chronic lumbago, which can be very painful and requires special care to alleviate it.

But what is the difference between acute (common) low back pain and chronic low back pain? In the former, the pain may last from three to four weeks; however, when this discomfort lasts more than three months, it is considered chronic. 

Chronic low back pain appears due to several causes, which may be:

• Lifting objects incorrectly
• Degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
• Uncontrolled muscle spasms
• Osteoporosis
• Vertebral fractures
• Cancer

Diagnosis and treatment

When the pain is intolerable, it is essential to go to the doctor. Depending on the area of pain and how it affects the patient's mobility, sometimes additional tests are necessary. These may include: 

• Blood tests
• Computerized tomography of the lumbar region.
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar region
• Myelography (x-ray or CT scan of the spine after injecting a dye)
• X-ray 

Treatments for back pain depend on the cause. They include: 

• Correct posture and postural hygiene (special seat at the workplace and avoid bending the spine forward).
• Stabilization of the lumbar spine with the use of girdles or corsets.
• Exercising the abdominal and spinal muscles (yoga, pilates, and swimming).
• Maintaining an appropriate weight
• Taking painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Application of current, massage, traction, and heat sources in physiotherapeutic rehabilitation centers. 

Following the suggestions of your doctor, the pain will gradually decrease. If a considerable period of time has passed and the expected improvement is not achieved, spinal surgery may be required; however, this only occurs when all other therapeutic options don’t provide relief.