Among the US population many people live their daily lives suffering with chronic back or neck pain. For some, treatment provides little or no benefit.  Finding ways to remain productive is a challenge, but it is possible.

Exercise and remain active: Many people that suffer from chronic back pain find that staying active helps to keep their pain from worsening. It is important that you don’t let the muscles providing support to your back weaken and cause more pain.  Seeking advice from your physician is important, they are familiar with your condition and know what you can and cannot handle. Your doctor can help guide in exercises that not only keep your muscles toned, but help to keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

Medication: For some people chronic lower back pain can be managed through medication.  Not all medication need be narcotic in nature to help alleviate your pain. In most circumstances, anti-inflammatory medicine will help keep inflammation at bay, relieving some of the pain associated with it.  For others, injections of corticosteroids and nerve blocks help to provide enough relief while treatment is sought out.

Relaxation and Meditation: It may be surprising but a lot of chronic pain can be associated with muscle tension caused by stress.  Finding ways to cope with stress, whether it be meditation, reading, or practicing deep breathing exercises helps to lower your anxiety and relieve some of the muscle tension. Yoga guides your body through different positions and deep breathing to help center your body and mind.  Before taking up Yoga, be sure to consult with your physician to be certain your condition will not worsen.

For some individuals who wish to proceed with surgery may find it helpful to seek a second opinion and discuss all options available.  Minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery offers excellent results and has helped many patients in the past who have undergone traditional open spine surgery.

There are many professionals out there that tell people suffering from chronic pain that there is no surgery that will help, when quite often minimally invasive procedures can and will provide the relief needed.

Never be afraid to seek a second or even third opinion when it comes to living a life of chronic pain.  The answers are likely out there, you just need to find them.