Living with back pain and other discomfort day in and day out can drastically impact your quality of life. In some cases, it seems there’s no end. Often called chronic pain, it’s important to recognize when you’re dealing with a serious issue and what treatment options you can explore to manage the pain. Below is a helpful guide to use.

When Is Pain Considered Chronic?

There are two types of pain: chronic and acute. Acute pain can range from a moment, such as a pinprick, to several weeks or even months, such as recovering from a broken bone or root canal therapy. Eventually, acute pain goes away and doesn’t create issues.

When pain does continue, usually after six months, it’s considered chronic. It may linger after you’ve recovered from a surgery, or even when there’s no previously known injury. This is common with back pain.

What Causes It?

Chronic pain usually develops from an identifiable injury, such as a muscle strain, tendon tear, or stroke. It’s common in older adults, as well as those who are overweight, have had surgery, or have had previous injuries. Females may also be more susceptible because of childbirth-related pain.

Sometimes, it’s easy to trigger pain in sensitive areas, such as the lower back, which is why discomfort may develop with periods of little-to-no pain in between. Others may deal with pain because a health condition, like TMJ or fibromyalgia, is undiagnosed or untreated.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

It’s important to explore all your treatment options. Chiropractors specialize in manipulating the musculoskeletal system to reduce tension and nerve compression. Realigning the spine, for example, can often alleviate issues that create pain and prevent recovery.

They may use exercises and lifestyle changes to help patients manage arthritis and recommend a combination of stretching and strength-building to prevent future injuries. They don’t rely on surgery or medication, which is why many patients turn to them first.

If you’re in the Cincinnati, OH, area and are interested in exploring chiropractic care, contact Eastern Hills Chiropractic. Since 1998, Dr. Matthew Haumesser and his team have helped patients with chronic back pain and other health issues. They’ll create a custom chiropractic treatment plan, and you can begin exploring their services on their website. Follow them on Facebook for more health advice and call (513) 528-2200 to schedule an exam.