Lower back pain is so common that most of us are not surprised when a family member or friend complains about it. We just accept back pain as inevitable. But at some point, a person may come to the realization that their lower back pain is chronic. Then what?
A general definition of chronic pain dictates that it persists for three months or longer. It can be experienced daily or almost daily. In the worst of cases, the pain never fully goes away. It is a constant companion that demands attention.
A Few Back Pain Statistics
You are not alone if you have ever experienced lower back pain. Join the club, as they say. It has been estimated that some 540 million people around the world are experiencing back pain at any given time. You are in good company.
Here are some other statistics you might find interesting:
- 80% of Americans will experience back pain during their lifetimes.
- 40% of U.S. office workers will experience lower back pain.
- Back pain is among the most common reasons for calling in sick.
- 5% of lower back pain patients will develop chronic back pain.
That final statistic is what the remainder of this post will focus on. That moment you realize your lower back pain is chronic is a life-changing moment. It is the moment you realize you are going to have to deal with pain for an extended amount of time, if not the rest of your life.
Back Pain Affects Everything Else
Back pain, particularly when it’s felt in the lower back, is somewhat unique due to the role the back plays in daily life. The back is what supports the entire weight of the body. It is in play whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. So where you might get relief from shoulder pain by sitting or lying in a certain position, it can be nearly impossible to get relief from lower back pain without medical intervention.
Taking things to their logical conclusion, it is not a stretch to say that back pain affects everything else. It affects your ability to do household chores. It affects your ability to work, enjoy leisure activities, spend quality time with the kids or grandkids, etc. Every time you move, you are at risk of causing yourself more pain.
You Can’t Let It Win
How you deal with chronic back pain is what matters. It is easy to allow lower back pain to dictate how you live. But if you don’t want it to completely destroy your quality of life, you need to fight back. You cannot let it win.
Seeking treatment is the first thing. But don’t be content with just a prescription. Be your own health advocate. Keep digging and searching. Keep educating yourself. Keep insisting on trying new therapies until you find something that works. Be willing to go so far as to try medical cannabis. According to the experts at Utahmarijuana.org, cannabis is a very effective treatment for all sorts of chronic pain.
The other thing you need to do is remain active. Exercise strengthens the back. Getting out and doing things strengthens the mind. By getting up and getting out, you are telling your pain that it’s not going to run your life. That kind of attitude generally wins the day.
That moment you realize your lower back pain is chronic is also the moment that you have decisions to make. You can either let the pain dictate your life or maintain control over your life despite your discomfort. The choice is yours alone.
