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Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is pain in the back that lasts more than three months. It is very common, often has no single cause, and is usually managed with activity, therapy and a combination of approaches.
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related wear of the spine and discs
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle
- A previous injury
- Being overweight
- Sometimes no clear structural cause
Common symptoms
- Ongoing back pain
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- Pain worse with certain movements
- Numbness or tingling (if a nerve is involved)
- Tiredness from poor sleep or pain
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical assessment (imaging often not needed)
- MRI spine (if red flags)
- X-ray
Treatment & management
- Staying active and avoiding prolonged rest
- Physiotherapy and specific exercises
- Simple pain relief and, sometimes, nerve-pain medicine
- Addressing posture, weight and workplace setup
- Psychological support and pain-management programmes for persistent pain
When to see a doctor urgently
- Numbness around the back passage or new bladder or bowel problems — call your local emergency number now
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or after a serious injury
- Progressive leg weakness or numbness
- Severe pain not improving with usual measures
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a scan for chronic back pain?
Usually not. For most back pain, scans do not change treatment and can show harmless changes that cause worry. Scans are reserved for specific warning signs or when surgery is being considered.
Should I rest or stay active?
Staying gently active is better than resting for long periods, which can stiffen the back and slow recovery. Physiotherapy and gradually increasing activity are key parts of managing chronic back pain.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.