“What are some long term permanent cures for chronic back pain beyond pain management?”

Great question and one that is important for so many people suffering from chronic back pain and other chronic pain syndromes.

Various medications help people with pain be able to function and make it through their day, but…

Many people are concerned about taking over the counter pain relievers, prescription pain medications, and opiates… particularly with all the news talking about the potential serious complications of taking these medications.

There is not one solution for everyone, but everyone with chronic back pain can to helped to varying degrees… often very significantly.

It depends on the person, what is causing the pain, and so many other factors.

Chronic pain is ongoing pain that is generally classified as pain lasting 3 months or more.

Chronic pain is different than acute (recent onset) pain.

There may have been a trauma or some other process in the back that started the pain.

Car accidents, a sports injury, a work related trauma, or a fall are all common possible causes for acute low back pain.

If these don’t heal properly or aren’t treated properly for that person, chronic pain can result.

Unfortunately, at times even if the person receives the best possible care for them may still develop chronic pain.

Chronic pain develops essentially because of changes in the nervous system that occur when the nerves related to that pain fire over a prolonged period of time making them stronger and more efficient.

This is similar to what happens when someone starts going to the gym and lifting weights.

Over time the muscles that are worked will become stronger and more efficient.

Even people with seemingly the same type of chronic back pain can have very different problems, various other health problems, and different general neurology related to how they can ‘turn off’ or reduce pain.

In general, doing everything you can to reduce excessive inflammation will help you reduce your pain levels.

Many lifestyle changes can often help ranging from what you eat (and what you shouldn’t eat) to sleep, movement/exercise, stress, and more.

Certain supplements might help, depending on your problem and addressing any lifestyle issues.

Restoring normal movement and movement patterns will often give you the best opportunity to get better and get your life back.

Generally, this will require seeing a Chiropractor that understands how to evaluate and treat the neuro-musculoskeletal system can make a huge difference.

It depends on your problem and the particular Chiropractor’s approach.

Not all chiropractors evaluate and treat the same way and certain approaches may be best for certain problems and the people that have those problems.

Same goes for physical therapy.

PTs might be able to help.

It depends on some of the things mentioned above, the timing of the physical therapy, the PTs approach to your care, and more.

There is not ONE thing to do and one solution to getting better and even completely recovering from chronic pain.

It often takes doing many of the right things for a period of time.

You will not miraculously get better over night.

Yes I know it sounds like it will take some work.

It will, but you are worth it.