Chronic back pain patients focus on the issue of control. As discussed previously, chronic back pain can lead to a diminished ability to engage in a variety of activities such as work, recreational pursuits, and interaction with family members and friends. This situation leads to a downward physical and emotional spiral that has been termed physical and mental reconditioning. As the spiral continues, the person with chronic back pain feels more and more loss of control over his or her life.



Chronic back pain tends to last a long time, and is not relieved by standard types of medical management. It may result from a previous injury long since healed, or it may have an ongoing cause, such as nerve damage or arthritis.

Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain

Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine, from the base of the neck to the hips.

Back pain is usually referred to as acute if it has been present for less than a month and chronic if it lasts for longer than a month. Young people are more likely to have brief acute episodes of back pain and chronic pain is more characteristic of older people.

Symptoms in the low back can be a result of problems in the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.

Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods.

Prevent Chronic Back Pain

First, analyze your posture by standing with your heels against a wall. Your calves, buttocks, shoulders, and the back of your head should touch the wall. You should be able to slip your hand behind the small of your back. Now step forward and stand normally. If your posture changes, correct it right away. If you stand for long periods at work, wear flat shoes with good arch support and get a box or step about six inches high to rest one foot on from time to time.

Swimming is the best exercise you can do for the lower back. When people get into the water, back pain usually just disappears, Dr. Bendo says. Running sometimes gets a bad rap as not being good for your back. But that's not the case when you're talking about prevention.

The best way to avoid back problems is to actively prevent them. And a lot of the things Dr. Bendo says people should do are common sense. But it also depends on what's causing your pain.

Lift Correctly: You don't have to lift something heavy in order to hurt your back. Picking up something light incorrectly is far more likely to hurt your back than picking up heavy objects correctly. Lifting things away from your body is also likely to cause damage. When you pick up anything, no matter how heavy, get it as close to your body as you can and keep your back as straight as you can and don't twist with it.

Sleep Properly: Sleep in a comfortable position. On your side in the "foetal" position is usually the least stressful on your back. Sleeping on your front puts most stress on your back and neck and can lead to trouble. Using a pillow of the right height which supports the neck is also important.