Chronic Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom experienced by people of all genders and ages, especially those who work long hours or sit in improper positions.

Some individuals may have mild back pain that resolves on its own, while others may suffer from severe and chronic back pain, which significantly affects their daily lives. Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying causes of back pain in order to seek appropriate treatment in a timely manner!

Why do we experience “back pain”?

Back pain refers to aching, stiffness, tension, or soreness in the back. It can result from the spine being in an improper or incorrect position for an extended period, such as sitting for long hours at work or using a computer with improper ergonomic setup that doesn’t suit the user’s proportions and posture. Additionally, some individuals may have incorrect movements, such as lifting heavy objects or twisting the neck and back, which can lead to “chronic back pain” over time.

Risk factors for back pain

Lack of physical activity, leading to weak muscles around the spine that are unable to support it adequately.
Obesity or overweight, which puts excessive weight on the spine.
Regularly engaging in activities that involve heavy lifting.
Prolonged sitting, such as office work or working on the floor.
Vibrations and shocks from activities like driving a car or riding a motorcycle.
Individuals experiencing stress or anxiety.

These factors can contribute to back pain.

Symptoms of back pain may include pain in the back, radiating to the hips or legs.
Numbness or tingling sensations along the affected nerves.
Dull and persistent pain without any relief.
Continuous or position-specific pain, such as during coughing, sneezing, or twisting.
Difficulty urinating or experiencing pain in the lower back or genital area.

Treating According to Symptoms…Without Always Resorting to Surgery

The treatment of chronic back pain depends on the duration and nature of the structural damage to the spine. There are three methods of treatment available:

Conservative treatment, such as physiotherapy and medication, to alleviate inflammation and pain.
Surgical treatment, in cases where other methods are ineffective or when it is necessary to correct structural issues in the spine.
Non-surgical treatment (Spine Intervention).

Four non-surgical treatment methods to alleviate back pain are as follows:

Selective Nerve Root Blocks (SNRB): Injection of medication directly into the affected nerve roots, which can be performed in the cervical and lumbar spine. This helps alleviate localized pain.
Nucleoplasty: The use of sound waves to treat the intervertebral discs. This technique involves applying gentle energy to liquefy the gel-like substance inside the spinal discs, reducing pressure on the nerves.
Vertebroplasty: Injection of a liquid cement-like substance to treat vertebral compression fractures. Patients with this condition experience weakened and sometimes fractured vertebrae, causing pain during movement. The physician injects the cement-like substance into the fractured vertebrae, filling the void and restoring its density. This procedure allows the physician to visualize the vertebrae and the movement of the cement-like substance continuously through a special X-ray machine (C-Arm). The cement hardens within 5 minutes and functions as a replacement for the vertebral structure. This method is safe and provides immediate pain relief.
Balloon Kyphoplasty: This procedure involves inserting an inflatable balloon into the fractured vertebrae to reduce spinal deformity, followed by the injection of a cement-like substance. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the cement-like substance in place to support the vertebrae. This results in a straighter spine.

If you experience back pain, it is advisable to consult a specialized physician to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Prompt and accurate treatment can help reduce discomfort, minimize the risk of disability, and improve your quality of life.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Bone and Joint Center, 1st Floor, Building A, Phyathai Sriracha Hospital
Tel: 038-317-333 ext. 2174, 2178, or 087-8600002