Living with back pain that lasts more than 3 months
Chronic low back pain means back pain that lasts for 3 months or more.
Unlike acute pain, it usually presents as a dull ache or heaviness that lingers.
In addition to structural causes like muscle tension, disc problems, or spinal stenosis, psychological factors such as stress can also make the pain worse.
Disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, muscle tension and spasms
Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and lack of exercise add strain to the back over time
Stress and anxiety cause muscle tension and make the pain worse
Pain leads to inactivity, which causes muscle weakness, which increases pain
Inactivity is a major cause of worsening chronic back pain. Even with some pain, moving within your ability and building exercise habits is the first step to improvement. Work with your doctor and rehabilitation staff to find the best approach for you.
See a doctor right away in these situations.
If you have weakness or loss of sensation in your legs, trouble passing urine or stool (or leakage), a fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer treatment, or severe pain that continues even at rest, another condition may be present. Please see a doctor promptly.