Chronic Back Pain
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention and miss work. But despite how widespread it is, many people still don’t understand what causes it—or how to treat it effectively.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the core principles every patient should know about managing chronic low back pain and why taking a whole-body approach matters.
What is Chronic Low Back Pain?
Chronic low back pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Unlike acute injuries, chronic pain is often multifactorial and can involve muscular, joint, disc, nerve, and even psychological components.
Common Causes
Disc degeneration or herniation
Facet joint arthritis
SI (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction
Poor posture or biomechanics
Muscle deconditioning or imbalance
Old injuries that never healed properly
It's More Than Just Anatomy
One important thing I explain to my patients is that pain is both a physical and neurological experience. The brain interprets signals from your body and can amplify them if you’re dealing with stress, poor sleep, or anxiety.
That’s why it’s important to treat the whole person—not just the MRI scan.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic low back pain, but there are several evidence-based strategies I use in my practice:
I. Movement is Medicine
Gentle activity, walking, and physical therapy can restore function. Avoiding movement can actually make pain worse.
II. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
As an osteopathic physician, I use OMT to improve alignment, reduce strain, and support healing. It’s a hands-on approach that works especially well for muscular and joint imbalances.
III. Injections and Abaltions
Targeted diagnostic / therapeutic procedures, like spinal joint or nerve blocks and even radiofrequency ablations (RFA), can reduce pain and improve mobility when used appropriately.
IV. Regenerative Medicine
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow-derived cell therapies can support tissue healing and are showing great promise for disc and joint-related pain.
V. Mind-Body Optimization
Chronic pain can be worsened by poor sleep, anxiety, and depression. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and optimizing hormonal health can play a crucial role in long-term outcomes.
Bottom Line
If you're dealing with chronic low back pain, the answer is not always surgery or pills. The best approach is a comprehensive one that looks at posture, movement, inflammation, and even your nervous system.
At Osso Health, we specialize in helping patients optimize their health from the inside out with non-surgical, regenerative, and osteopathic solutions.
Schedule a Consultation:
Visit www.osso.health or email us at team@osso.health to learn more about your personalized care options.
