Are you suffering with recurring pain in your back that has lasted more than a few days? Chronic back pain can disrupt your day to day life, and lead to depression. At the onset most people think that their back pain is the result of bending wrong or lifting something too heavy. That may be true in some cases, and many times the pain is associated with a strained muscle. However, pain that last more than two or three days may be a more serious problem.

Where does it hurt

Pay close attention to where the pain is located because this can help a doctor diagnose your symptoms. Is your pain in the upper back between the shoulders? This type of pain may be a result of bad posture while sitting; a common cause of back pain for people who use a computer for long hours. If your pain is in the lower back it may be a bulging or ruptured disc. Pain in the buttocks area that travels down the leg is usually a sign of sciatica. Take notes of where it hurts.

What aggravates the pain

Many times chronic back is relieved temporarily by changing positions. Does it hurt more when you are sitting, standing or walking? When you are lying down on your back is the pain worse? Can you sleep on your side or stomach; knowing what causes or increases the pain can be helpful. Bend forward and side to side to determine if that affects the pain. If you squat how does your back feel? When you reach for something does that affect the pain?

What helps ease the pain

Have you tried applying ice or heat to the area? Have you taken over the counter pain medications? Stretching and light exercises can be helpful in some cases. Leaning forward while in a seated position can relieve pain in the lower back. Knowing what eases your pain, even if it is temporary, can be very helpful.

Chronic pain can be a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a shooting pain that may go away for short periods, but usually reoccurs. Back pain that is accompanied by numbness or tingling should always be taken seriously. Sciatica, pain in the lower back or buttocks that runs down the back of one or both legs, may go away, but when it last for more than a week it is important to seek professional help. The spine is a very complex part of the body, and severe back pain that is constant usually has an underlying cause that may need medical attention or surgery.

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