Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can cause residual pain from the hips to the thigh and even into the lower leg. This is a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve. This is a prominent nerve from the lower segment of the spine all the way to the feet. If the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or compressed, it can cause sensations such as tingling, weakness, and numbness.

The spine consists of 33 individual vertebrae. These vertebrae have discs between them to absorb the shock of everyday use. Each time you take a step, lift your arms, tie your shoes, sit, or stand, you are placing stress on the spinal column. Without adequate shock absorption, the vertebrae start to wear down, and this compression will lead to chronic pain.

Relief for Chronic Back Pain

Compression fractures are treated in a variety of ways including kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Both of these treatments involve injecting orthopedic cement into the space between vertebrae. This cement will harden and return the proper spacing and alignment to the vertebrae. Chronic pain is relieved and normal height is restored. This promises to be an alternative to disc fusion.

While surgical intervention may be required in some cases, many people are finding relief through lifestyle changes and supplements that enhance the strengthening of the body tissues. Repairing damage on a cellular level is showing significant improvements in the treatment and control of chronic pain. If you have experienced back pain for more than three months, check with your healthcare professional about effective alternative treatments to surgery.