Back pain that occurs at a continual, low level or that comes and goes at a greater intensity should be treated, even if a definitive diagnosis can't be made. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 80 percent of diagnoses of chronic pain in the back remain nonspecific.
This doesn't mean that cases cannot be resolved or that pain relief cannot be achieved. It does mean that trying home remedies may be necessary to solve the mysteries of individual musculoskeletal conditions.
Treat Muscle Strain
Often, repetitive muscle stress is behind recurrent back pain. The Cleveland Clinic notes that most problems occur in the lower back. Muscles there are vulnerable to overstretching, twisting and bearing too much weight.
Working through bouts of pain or using pain relief drugs to stay on the playing field only add to the cycle of stress and discomfort. Rest, ice pack applications and rehabilitative exercise will remedy muscle strain to break that cycle.
Improve Sleep Posture
Sleep posture or unsupportive bedding may be behind chronic pain in the upper or lower back. The Better Sleep Council relates that aging mattresses should be evaluated for replacement after 5 to 7 years. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) adds that pillows break down after about a year and should be replaced.
Simply stuffing an extra pillow on top of the old one will provide too much loft. Pillows should be chosen to support the neck and spine in a neutral, not high or low, position. More supportive bedding can provide pain relief and effectively eliminate the source of the problem, in some cases.
Address Foot Issues
Some back pain conditions are caused by an unbalanced or asymmetrical skeletal foundation. As the American Chiropractic Association points out, differing leg lengths or foot angles can force the body to compensate in its posture. This can strain the back and other muscles.
If the feet and pelvis are not level, a chiropractor or podiatrist can determine the best adjustment to make. High-quality, supportive shoes or custom shoe orthotics may solve chronic pain problems related to bone abnormalities.
Strengthen Muscles
Weak abdominal muscles or vertebral discs may throw the back into awkward positions or make back muscles work too hard. Muscular tension can also cause chronic pain.
A personal or professional physical therapy regimen addresses both of these issues at once. According to the APTA, targeted physical therapy is proven to provide pain relief and strengthen the back and its support structure to avoid future injuries that cause pain.
