Treating chronic back pain or lower back pain

Over 80% of Canadians suffer from back pain at least once in their lives. Called lumbago when it’s felt in the lower back, or dorsalgia when it’s felt in the upper back (between the shoulder blades), it’s one of the most frequent reasons for consulting a family doctor.

When this pain persists over an extended period, it can develop into what’s known as chronic back pain, which can have a significant impact on quality of life and mental health.

In this article, we explore the aspects of chronic back pain, its causes and the solutions that exist.

When do we talk about chronic pain?

Chronic back pain is defined as persistent pain lasting more than three months. It requires specific treatment.

Unlike acute back pain, which may be the result of a temporary injury or strain, chronic pain can have complex origins. It’s important to differentiate between the two types of pain, for appropriate management.

Symptoms of chronic low-back pain include persistent pain in the lumbar region, which may radiate to the buttocks and legs. Dorsalgia (upper back pain) can radiate to the arms and neck.

What causes back pain?

The causes of chronic back pain are varied and difficult to identify precisely, unlike acute back pain. However, some more common factors may contribute to the development of chronic pain:

  • A sedentary lifestyle: most low-back pain is due to a lack of exercise and poor physical fitness.
  • Bad posture with insufficient abdominal support.
  • A history of back injury or trauma, which may have affected the lumbar spine.
  • A herniated disc
  • Certain diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Many parts of the back may be involved in the origin of pain, including intervertebral discs, muscles, nerves and facet joints.

What treatments are available for chronic back pain?

chronic back pain

Treatment for chronic back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain. However, here are some approaches used to treat chronic back pain:

  • Analgesic drugs for moderate pain, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Physiotherapy and osteopathy, which can include strengthening exercises, stretching and manipulative techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help modify pain-related thoughts and behaviors, thereby improving quality of life.
  • Surgery, which may be recommended in certain cases to treat structural problems of the back, such as herniated discs or stenosis.
  • Medication injections and lumbar epidurals for patients for whom oral medication is not sufficient, or for whom surgery is not an option.
  • Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a blood sample promote rapid tissue repair and pain reduction.

Chronic pain has a multidimensional aspect and therefore requires the use of several treatments in combination. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Pain clinic in Montreal

Each case of chronic back pain is unique, and the optimal treatment may vary from one person to another. The key lies in tailoring the treatment plan to the patient’s precise diagnosis and individual needs.

Neurotherapy Montréal offers interdisciplinary services to support patients suffering from chronic pain. A tailor-made program is established, which may include injection medication, physiotherapy, neuropsychology or psychological support.

Contact Neurotherapy Montreal for a free 15-minute telephone consultation.

Book an appointment!

Contributions | Video and approval by Dr Patrice Langlois, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Neurotherapy Montreal (December 2023).

Stop smoking: techniques and tips

It takes practice and time to quit smoking. The benefits of stopping smoking are worth the effort. Different strategies work better for different people. Discover the different solutions and tips to quit smoking.

Smoking cessation medications

Medications used to support the quitting process include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which is designed to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. NRT contains nicotine without the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco. NRT is available over the counter at the pharmacy, and different forms of NRT include chewing pieces (gum), the nicotine patch, inhaler, lozenges, and mouth sprays. Other medications used in smoking cessation include bupropion and varenicline. Research shows that when used as directed, and combined with support groups or counselling, these medications can increase your chance of success. Speak to your doctor about which medications may be appropriate for you.

Support groups and counselling

Group programs usually involve meeting small groups of people who are all trying to quit smoking. Group support programs can increase your chances of success and keep you motivated to stay on track. Contact your local public health department to locate any smoking cessation groups active in your community.

There are other great ways to find support, including quit lines, online forums, interactive websites, smartphone apps and text message services. Individual counselling programs can range from brief advice and counselling offered by a health care professional to intensive counselling available through specialty clinics. Talk to your doctor about whether individual counselling is an appropriate option for you.

Tips to quit smoking

Quitting smoking may be hard, but it can be done! Here are some tips to help you quit:

  • Develop an action plan to improve your chances of quitting. Writing the plan down will help you think more carefully about what you need to do and how you will approach it.

    Try the following:
    – Pick a day as your “quit date,” which is the day you intend to stop smoking. Write this date down.
    – Make a list of the important benefits of quitting and read it over before and after you quit. Use this list while you are trying to quit to remind yourself of your reasons for quitting.
    – List the situations in which you smoke and the reasons why you smoke – this will help you identify what “triggers” you to light up.
    – List fun and healthy activities to replace smoking, and be ready to do these when you feel the urge to smoke.

  • Avoid smoking triggers. Starting with your quit date, try to remove or avoid your smoking triggers. For example, if you associate coffee with smoking, try drinking tea or water instead. If you usually smoke at parties, find other ways to socialize with friends until you feel comfortable and confident about facing these situations.
  • Don’t carry matches, a lighter, or cigarettes.
  • Each day, delay lighting your first cigarette by one hour. After the first cigarette, when you have your next craving to smoke, delay for another 15 minutes or half an hour. By delaying each cigarette, you take control.
  • Familiarize yourself with possible withdrawal symptoms and how you plan to handle them.
  • Get moving! Exercise is a great way to relax and feel good; use exercise rather than smoking to deal with stress. As you exercise, with each deep breath you take, you can start to repair some of the damage done to your body from smoking.
  • Build your own support network. Enlist the help of a close friend or family member, your doctor, someone you know and respect who has recently quit, or someone who wants to quit smoking with you.

See a doctor to quit smoking

Your family doctor is the best person to support you in your withdrawal. Unlike support groups, he has the advantage of knowing your current state of health and your medical history. He can advise you with the appropriate strategies, prescribe the first treatments and refer you to specialists if necessary. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to learn more!

Book an appointment


Need a doctor? ELNA Medical’s family medicine services facilitate access to comprehensive, preventive health care at every stage of your life.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Quitting-Smoking-The-Road-to-Recovery