ChronicPain
Chronic pain is defined as pain
having more than 3 month in duration. Chronic pain is classified as deep,
aching, dull or burning pain. It might only occur in one area of the back, or it
may travel down both legs. Patients may experience numbness, tingling, burning
or a pins and needles type sensation in the legs. Patients with chronic back
pain may find it difficult or impossible to work, even when the job does not
require manual labor. Regular daily activities may prove difficult or
impossible for the chronic back pain patient.
AcutePain
Acute pain is defined as pain of
less than 3 month in duration. Acute pain is described commonly as a very sharp
pain or a dull aching pain, usually felt deep in the lower part of the back. Incan
be more severe over one area of the back, more than another. This pain can
sometimes come and go (intermittent), but usually it is constant, only ranging
in severity. Low back pain can be due to injury or trauma, but just as often,
it may have no clear cause. Most people will improve or completely recover
within six to eight weeks. A contusion, torn muscle, trigger point or a strain
of the posterior joint can cause acute pain associated with an injury. This is
typically a short-lived. Treatment involves outpatient physical therapy and
prevention practices, usually returning to full functionality in a few weeks.
Occasionally patients will re-injure themselves, requiring a short course of
treatment. If a patient returns more than three times in one year or experience
longer-lasting episodes (significantly interfering with functional activities
such as sleeping, sitting, standing, walking, bending, riding or driving a car,
social and occupational responsibilities), this person is considered to have a
chronic low back condition. Mechanical low back pain is aggravated by movement
and made worse by coughing. Usually it is alleviated with rest. "This pain
is typical of intervertebral disc disease, fractures, or facet disease.î
Activities requiring forward movement of the spine (flexion) will usually cause
pain, but extension or lateral bending may not. Posture, coughing, sneezing and
movement influence pain coming from the spine. When the pain travels down one
or both legs and is severe, this could be caused by lumbar disc disease.