Chronic Pain
Back pain is a prevalent condition necessitating the urge to seek medical attention due to the amount of triggered discomfort and debilitation. Regardless of age, any individual may be prone to experience back pain due to injury, medical conditions such as arthritis, strenuous activities (movement and posture), or herniated disks which are the cartilaginous padding segments between the vertebrae. Along with the localized back pain itself, one may also have associated muscle pain and pain radiating to the upper and lower extremities of the body. In such severe cases with persistent radiating pain, medical assistance should be sought. After a physical exam and imaging scans, necessary treatment is determined. Usually, back pain is primarily treated with rest, proper lifestyle adjustments, and home remedies. Pain relief medication is a primary alternative as well. Although rare, in such cases of constant pain and compression of the nerve, surgery may be opted to by removing portions of the vertebrae or herniated disc or by the insertion of an artificial disc.