Chronic Pain
Chronic Back Pain
About Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is defined as back pain that persists for twelve weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of acute back pain has been treated. This condition can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent aching or stiffness along the spine
- Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back
- Pain that radiates down one or both legs or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination to assess pain location, intensity, and any neurological deficits. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may be utilized to identify structural issues like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or arthritis. Blood tests might also be conducted to rule out inflammatory conditions or infections.
Causes
Common causes of chronic back pain may include mechanical issues like disc degeneration, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, or structural problems like spinal deformities, can also contribute. In some instances, the exact cause may not be clearly identifiable.
Treatment Overview
The treatment landscape for chronic back pain often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining various strategies to manage symptoms and improve function. Conventional treatments may include medications such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and injections. Commonly discussed complementary approaches may involve acupuncture, massage, or mindfulness practices, though their effectiveness can vary among individuals. In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Prognosis & Outlook
The prognosis for chronic back pain can be highly variable, depending on the underlying cause, individual response to treatment, and lifestyle factors. While complete elimination of pain may not always be achievable, many individuals report significant improvement in pain management and functional ability with appropriate care. Long-term management often involves a combination of therapies and self-management strategies to maintain quality of life.
Types & Variants
Axial Pain
Also known as mechanical pain, it is confined to one spot or region of the back. It is often described as dull or aching.
Radicular Pain
A sharp, shooting pain that follows a nerve root, often radiating from the back down into a leg. Sciatica is the most common form.
Referred Pain
Pain that is felt in a location different from its source. For example, a problem in the lower back may cause pain in the groin or hip.
What 1 Contributor Has Shared
One contributor described struggling with musculoskeletal pain in many areas including the hips, back, pelvis, and shoulders. They also experienced a wide range of other symptoms such as tinnitus, dry eye, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, and skin rashes. Doctors attributed symptoms to conditions like arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs, but the contributor later self-diagnosed with Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) / Neuroplastic symptoms after ruling out other causes.
This contributor tried numerous conventional and alternative treatments, including various therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes, which did not resolve their pain. Turning points involved discovering the work of several doctors specializing in neuroplastic pain and engaging in specific practices like pain neuroscience education, journaling, and pain reprocessing therapy. They emphasized that most chronic pain is neuroplastic, originating from the brain and nervous system rather than structural damage, and recommended understanding this concept to others.
“Approaches that were part of my recovery”
As described by story contributors
Discovering the work of Dr. Sarno, Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Hanscom, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks, and Dr. Schechter and reading their books
Pain neuroscience education
Journaling via Nicole Sachs
Pain reprocessing therapy and 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
Regulating the nervous system & polyvagal theory
Indifference & outcome independence
Self compassion
“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
PT
Chiro
Osteopath
Massage
Acupuncture
Sports medicine doctor with rehabilitation classes
Correcting posture
Common Turning Points
Pivotal moments described by story contributors
Discovered work of Dr. Sarno, Dr. Schubiner, Dr. Hanscom, Dr. Clarke, Dr. Stracks, and Dr. Schechter
Learning about neuroplastic pain and ruling out legitimate pathological findings
Key Realizations & “Aha” Moments
Perspectives shared by story contributors
Structural findings were incidental and not the cause of symptoms
Self-diagnosed with Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) / Neuroplastic symptoms
Most chronic pain is neuroplastic in nature, meaning it doesn’t mean that it is being caused by the structures of your body
The brain and nervous system can cause debilitating symptoms without tissue damage or disease
Neuroplastic pain refers to pain that is created and maintained not by physical injury, but by changes and misfirings in the brain’s neural circuits
The brain can "learn" pain through repeated stress or emotional suppression, creating maladaptive neural pathways
Misfiring pain circuits, shaped by emotional states and life stress, cause the brain to perceive pain even when there is no physical cause
Mindbody symptoms—including chronic pain—often result from: stress and nervous system dysregulation, suppressed or unprocessed emotions, learned neural pathways in the brain, an overactive fear response
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
- “Most chronic pain is neuroplastic in nature, meaning that, even though the pain is very real and physically felt, it doesn’t mean that it is being caused by the structures of your body.”
- “The brain and nervous system can cause debilitating symptoms without tissue damage or disease.”
- “Neuroplastic pain refers to pain that is created and maintained not by physical injury, but by changes and misfirings in the brain’s neural circuits. This type of pain is very real, but its origin lies in the nervous system and emotional regulation rather than tissue damage.”
- “The brain can 'learn' pain through repeated stress or emotional suppression, creating maladaptive neural pathways—essentially false alarms.”
- “These misfiring pain circuits, shaped by emotional states and life stress, cause the brain to perceive pain even when there is no physical cause.”
- “Mindbody symptoms—including chronic pain—often result from: stress and nervous system dysregulation, suppressed or unprocessed emotions, learned neural pathways in the brain, 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
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