Chronic Back Pain
When back pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is called chronic back pain. The cause of your back pain may not be known. Some common causes include:
Wear and tear (degenerative disease) of the bones, ligaments, or disks in your back.
Inflammation and stiffness in your back (arthritis).
People who have chronic back pain often go through certain periods in which the pain is more intense (flare-ups). Many people can learn to manage the pain with home care.
Follow these instructions at home:
Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to help with your pain:
Managing pain and stiffness
Activity
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Avoid bending and other activities that make the problem worse.
- Maintain a proper position when standing or sitting:
When standing, keep your upper back and neck straight, with your shoulders pulled back. Avoid slouching.
When sitting, keep your back straight and relax your shoulders. Do not round your shoulders or pull them backward.
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Do not sit or stand in one place for long periods of time.
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Take brief periods of rest throughout the day. This will reduce your pain. Resting in a lying or standing position is usually better than sitting to rest.
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When you are resting for longer periods, mix in some mild activity or stretching between periods of rest. This will help to prevent stiffness and pain.
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Get regular exercise. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
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Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg), or the limit that you are told, until your health care provider says that it is safe. Always use proper lifting technique, which includes:
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Sleep on a firm mattress in a comfortable position. Try lying on your side with your knees slightly bent. If you lie on your back, put a pillow under your knees.
Medicines
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Treatment may include medicines for pain and inflammation taken by mouth or applied to the skin, prescription pain medicine, or muscle relaxants. Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Ask your health care provider if the medicine prescribed to you:
General instructions
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have pain that is not relieved with rest or medicine.
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Your pain gets worse, or you have new pain.
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You have a high fever.
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You have rapid weight loss.
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You have trouble doing your normal activities.
Summary
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Chronic back pain is back pain that lasts longer than 3 months.
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When a flare-up begins, apply ice to the painful area for the first 24–48 hours.
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Apply a moist heat pad or use a heating pad on the painful area as directed by your health care provider.
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When you are resting for longer periods, mix in some mild activity or stretching between periods of rest. This will help to prevent stiffness and pain.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.