Back pain is extremely common, and many episodes improve with time and conservative treatment. But when back pain continues for months, repeatedly returns, or significantly interferes with normal activities, it may become a chronic condition requiring additional evaluation.
Further evaluation can help determine the next appropriate step in care.
When Does Back Pain Become Chronic?
Short-term back pain may occur after lifting, exercise, injury, or overuse. Chronic back pain lasts longer and may be associated with an underlying spinal, musculoskeletal, degenerative, or nerve-related condition.
The duration of pain is only one part of the picture. Providers also consider the cause of the pain, severity, functional limitations, and how the patient has responded to previous treatment.
Signs That Your Back Pain Needs Further Evaluation
Talk with your medical provider if back pain:
- Continues for an extended period of time
- Frequently returns
- Interferes with walking or standing
- Prevents normal work or household activities
- Disrupts sleep
- Travels into the buttock or leg
- Is associated with numbness or tingling
- Has not improved as expected with previous treatment
What Can Cause Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain can have many causes. Examples may include degenerative changes in the spine, disc-related conditions, arthritis, nerve irritation, previous injuries, or other musculoskeletal or neurologic problems.
Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis matters.
What Happens Before a Pain Management Referral?
Your primary care provider or specialist may review your medical history, perform an examination, order diagnostic testing, or recommend conservative treatment before referring you to pain management.
Depending on the individual patient, previous treatment might include physical therapy, medications, activity modification, specialist evaluation, or other approaches.
What Does a Pain Management Provider Do?
Pain management is focused on understanding the cause and impact of chronic pain and determining an appropriate management plan.
Treatment varies widely based on the patient’s diagnosis, history, medications, previous treatment, examination, and other medical considerations. There is no single treatment plan that is appropriate for every patient with back pain.
When Back Pain Requires Urgent Care
Some back pain symptoms should not wait for a routine pain management appointment.
If chronic back pain continues to interfere with your daily life, talk with your current medical provider about whether further evaluation or referral to pain management may be appropriate.