Chronic Back Pain Treatment
Diagnosis and long-term management of persistent back pain.
Chronic back pain refers to pain that persists for an extended period, often beyond three months, and can stem from a wide range of underlying causes affecting the discs, joints, muscles, or nerves of the spine. Because the cause varies so much from person to person, effective treatment starts with accurately identifying what is actually driving the pain.
Types
Mechanical Back Pain
Pain arising from the muscles, ligaments, or joints of the spine rather than nerve compression.
Discogenic Back Pain
Pain originating from a degenerated or damaged disc itself.
Facet Joint Pain
Pain arising from the small joints connecting adjacent vertebrae.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Pain originating from the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis.
Neuropathic Back Pain
Pain involving nerve irritation or compression, often radiating beyond the back itself.
Common Causes
Chronic back pain can develop from a single injury that never fully resolved, from gradual degeneration, or sometimes without any single identifiable trigger at all.
- Disc degeneration or herniation contributing to ongoing pain.
- Facet joint or sacroiliac joint degeneration.
- Muscle deconditioning following a period of reduced activity or a previous injury.
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting, particularly in sedentary occupations.
- Previous spinal injury or surgery contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent back pain lasting beyond the usual healing time for an injury
- Pain that fluctuates with activity levels, posture, or time of day
- Stiffness that limits normal movement
- Pain that may or may not radiate into the buttocks or legs
- Fatigue or reduced tolerance for physical activity due to ongoing discomfort
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a thorough history and physical examination to identify likely pain generators, supported by imaging such as X-rays or MRI when a specific structural cause is suspected.
Treatment Approach
Treatment is tailored to the identified cause, and often combines physiotherapy, structured exercise, pain management, and sometimes targeted injections. Surgery is reserved for cases with a clear structural cause that has not responded to a sustained course of non-surgical treatment. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna works to identify the specific driver of chronic pain before building a long-term management plan.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026