How do i cope with chronic back pain? when one experiences chronic back pain, what kind of pain control efforts should someone practice?

Diagnosis.: To properly deal with chronic back pain you need to have a diagnosis. This can usually be obtained after a physical examination and x-rays or mri.

Unclear: I say that because i wonder what is causing your chronic back pain. Are you at the c omputer all day and hunched over? Are you lifting heavy weights including a small child? Do you get any exercise? A hot shower and a short walk might help. Also ibuprofin kinds of drugs can alleviate the pain but it would be helpful for you to understand the source. Hope you feel better soon.

It varies: It depends in part on what exactly is causing your pain. In general, the most successful treatments for chronic pain take an approach that addresses all aspects of chronic pain including emotional, functional, and physical. The field of pain management has developed in part because the treatment of chronic pain is complex and goes beyond simply taking pain medication. Thank you.

Seek help: See a pain management specialist who can evaluate your pain, causes, previous treatments, etc & offer options to provide u with relief. Be ready to provide good history, imaging studies, medical records to help in your treatment program.

Rest, exercise, OTC: 1st read following links from choosingwisely.Org: http://www.Choosingwisely.Org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/aafp-10-things-list.Pdf & http://www.Choosingwisely.Org/doctor-patient-lists/imaging-tests-for-lower-back-pain/. In other words, don't jump to xrays & mris unless you've got red flag warning signs. Instead, go see your family doc re rest, appropriate exercise w/pt & non-narcotic pain reliever.

Time: There are many causes of back pain. I would speak to a pain mgmt physician. Typically depending on the cause of your pain, epidural or similar injections are tried as well as anti-inflammatory medications. If these fail, depending on the cause, other more invasive procedures or surgery can be tried.. But in many cases exercise and a "tincture of time" will eventually heal you.