Chronic Pain
Back Pain
About Back Pain
Back pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It generally refers to discomfort or aching in the back, ranging from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain.
Common Symptoms
- aching or stiffness along the spine
- sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back
- pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
- limited flexibility or range of motion of the back
- muscle spasms
- tenderness to the touch
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of back pain often begins with a physical examination and a review of the individual's medical history. A healthcare provider may check for range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans might be used to identify structural issues if a specific cause is suspected.
Causes
Back pain can stem from various sources, including muscle strain, ligament sprains, or disc problems. Other contributing factors may include poor posture, arthritis, osteoporosis, or nerve compression. In some cases, there may be no identifiable specific cause.
Treatment Overview
Management approaches for back pain often include pain relief medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications like improving posture or exercise. Some individuals explore complementary approaches such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care. Surgical intervention is typically considered for specific conditions when other treatments have not been effective.
Prognosis & Outlook
The outlook for back pain can vary significantly depending on its cause and severity. Many instances of acute back pain may resolve with conservative management within a few weeks. However, chronic back pain can be more challenging to manage and may require ongoing care.
Types & Variants
Acute Back Pain
Short-term pain that lasts a few days to a few weeks. It is the most common type and usually resolves on its own.
Chronic Back Pain
Pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause has been treated.
Lower Back Pain
Pain affecting the lumbar region of the spine. It is the most common location for back pain.
Sciatica
Pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
What 1 Contributor Has Shared
One contributor described struggling with widespread musculoskeletal pain, including hip, back, pelvic, shoulder, foot, and wrist pain, alongside other symptoms like tinnitus, anxiety, and skin rashes. These symptoms were often attributed by doctors to structural issues like arthritis or degenerative disc disease, but the contributor later self-diagnosed with Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) / Neuroplastic symptoms, believing their pain stemmed from central nervous system dysfunction rather than physical damage.
After various conventional and alternative treatments proved ineffective, the contributor found relief through an approach focused on understanding neuroplastic pain. This involved studying the work of specific doctors, engaging in pain neuroscience education, and practicing techniques like journaling, pain reprocessing therapy, and somatic tracking. Key to their healing was addressing belief and doubt, learning to feel safe with sensations, and regulating their nervous system.
“Approaches that were part of my recovery”
As described by story contributors
Discovered work of Dr. Sarno, Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Hanscom, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks, Dr. Schechter
Read books by the aforementioned doctors
Pain neuroscience education
Journaling via Nicole Sachs
Pain reprocessing therapy via Alan Gordon
Somatic tracking via Alan Gordon
Addressing belief and doubt
Learning to feel safe with sensations, thoughts, and emotions
Graded exposure teaching the brain the pain is not dangerous
Visualization
Graded motor imagery
Leaning into positive sensations
“Approaches I tried that didn't help me”
As described by story contributors
Supplements
Changing diet to anti inflammatory or keto
Japanese healer
Castor oil
Icing & heat
Physical Therapy (PT)
Chiropractor (Chiro)
Osteopath
Massage
Acupuncture
Sports medicine doctor with rehabilitation classes
Correcting posture
Key Realizations & “Aha” Moments
Perspectives shared by story contributors
Finding out that structural findings like arthritis or herniated discs were incidental and not the cause of symptoms
Self diagnosing with Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) / Neuroplastic symptoms with reassurance from TMS practitioners after ruling out legitimate pathological findings
Understanding that most chronic pain is neuroplastic in nature, meaning it is very real and physically felt but not caused by body structures
Realizing the brain and nervous system can cause debilitating symptoms without tissue damage or disease
Learning that neuroplastic pain is created and maintained by changes and misfirings in the brain’s neural circuits, not physical injury
Understanding that the brain can "learn" pain through repeated stress or emotional suppression, creating maladaptive neural pathways
Recognizing that mindbody symptoms, including chronic pain, often result from stress, nervous system dysregulation, suppressed emotions, learned neural pathways, and an overactive fear response
Challenges Contributors Described
Common obstacles mentioned by story contributors
Doctors or practitioners labelling symptoms as being caused by structural issues
Believing that structural findings were the cause of symptoms
Support Systems Contributors Mentioned
Types of support described by story contributors
TMS practitioners
Advice from Those Who've Been There
Suggestions shared by story contributors
- “Understand that most chronic pain is neuroplastic in nature, meaning it doesn't necessarily stem from structural damage”
- “Recognize that the brain and nervous system can generate debilitating symptoms without tissue damage”
- “Learn that neuroplastic pain originates from changes in neural circuits, not physical injury”
- “Be aware that the brain can 'learn' pain through stress or emotional suppression, creating false alarms”
- “Consider that mindbody symptoms often result from stress, nervous system dysregulation, unprocessed emotions, and an overactive fear response”
These insights reflect what individual contributors reported about their own experiences. Results vary — what helps one person may not help another. This is not medical advice.
Stories (1)
Real journeys shared by contributors
Have a story about Back Pain?
Your documented recovery could inspire thousands. Share your journey with proof and join our growing archive of recoveries.
Start Your Submission