Chronic back pain can affect every aspect of your life, from your enjoyment of daily activities to the amount of sleep you get each night. If you are suffering from a sore back for more than a couple of months, and if the pain seems to ebb and flow to some extent, you may be diagnosed with chronic back muscle pain. The good news is that there are numerous options in chronic back pain relief that can offer you a break from the discomfort. In many cases, the best treatment will be a combination of methods that will relax the body, soothe the sore spots and strengthen the muscles to prevent further pain from occurring.

Relaxation Techniques

Muscle tension can be a chronic back pain cause, so many find chronic back pain relief through relaxation techniques like meditation, biofeedback and yoga. Relaxation methods can provide a double benefit because they soothe the mind as well as the body. Since depression is a frequent companion of chronic pain, relaxation techniques can work on this condition as well. If your back pain is keeping you up at night, try these methods of chronic back pain relief before bedtime, and include a warm bath and some calming music to enhance the mood.

Soothing the Pain

Chronic back pain relief can also be found through medications like ibuprofen and naproxen that will address the inflammation as well as the discomfort. If over the counter varieties are not sufficiently providing chronic back pain relief, your doctor may also be able to prescribe something stronger over the short term. In some cases, doctors will also recommend an antidepressant that will deal with the pain and depression issues that often accompanies the discomfort. You can also apply heat to the sore area to relax the muscles and relieve the tension and pain. Massage will also work away much of the discomfort, and can go much deeper than a simple heat pack.

Strengthening Muscles

In some cases, back pain is caused by poor posture and unconditioned muscles. In this case, chronic back pain relief may be found through exercises prescribed by a doctor, physical therapist or personal trainer. These exercises will usually provide chronic back pain relief for as long as they are continued; if you stop the program, it is possible the pain will return. However, the additional health benefits to regular strength training make this mode of chronic back pain relief an attractive one indeed.

When your back hurts, everything seems a bit more challenging. However, by employing a combination of these methods of chronic back pain relief, you can be on the road to pain free days and nights.