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What are the differences between Chronic and Acute Back Pain?

Spine
Many Indians suffer from acute or chronic back pain. Acute back pain often occurs suddenly, usually as a result of a known injury. In most cases, it resolves within a few days, but sometimes it may last up to six weeks.
Chronic pain generally develops slowly, and the severity of the condition may worsen over time. Chronic back pain lasts for a minimum of three months or is episodic and recurs over a period of six months or more. Your back pain should be treated as soon as possible, whether it is chronic or acute. Talk to a doctor about your back health.

What causes acute back pain?

Acute back pain is typically caused due to strained or sprained soft tissues of the back, which include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can happen, especially when you lift a heavy object with improper posture. You may also experience back pain if you have muscle spasms. In some cases, acute pain lasts a few months (less than six months). Once any underlying cause no longer triggers the pain, it goes away.
Acute pain is caused by:
  • Surgical procedures
  • A fractured bone.
  • Sudden annular tear ( Acute disc rupture)
  • As sudden sprain or strain
  • Labour and delivery.
Once the acute pain has gone, you can resume your normal daily activities.

What causes chronic back pain?

The structure of the spine is naturally quite complex. There are many factors that can contribute to chronic back pain, including:
  • Disc degeneration
  • Age related degenerative arthritis
  • Chronic disc herniation
  • Fractures due to compression
  • Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia

The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are:
ACUTE BACK PAIN TREATMENT METHODS
Usually, minor acute back pain resolves quickly on its own in most cases. Rest should be limited to a few days for the patient because prolonged bed rest can prove counterproductive. Instead, the doctor might suggest pain medication to ease your discomfort while moving. Patients with acute back pain are requested to move as much as possible within the limits of pain unless some significant injury has happened to the spine. In addition, a physical therapist might also advise you to stretch exercises to loosen tight muscles and strengthen exercises to improve the strength of weak muscles.
COMMON TREATMENTS FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN
In most cases, oral pain relievers aren’t meant to be used long-term since they can cause physical dependence and tolerance. A combination of the following treatments can be used to manage chronic back pain:
  • Injections for pain management
  • Physical therapy or Physiotherapy
  • Trigger point injections
  • Medical or surgical treatment based on the accurate diagnosis
If conventional treatments do not work or are not appropriate, surgery to fix the spine problem might be considered if the cause of the back pain is evident.

Blog By: DR. SRIKANTH REDDY DUMPA

M.S, DNB, Ortho, FNB Spine, FISS(USA)