There are two types of back pain, chronic or acute. The word acute is Latin in origin which means needles, so the acute back pain is usually experienced as a painfully, sudden, severe, sharp sensation. On the other hand chronic is a Greek word for time; as connotative, chronic is generally persistent over an extended length of time, a nagging and dull discomfort, from months to years with a longer healing process. The back, being the workhorse of the body is more susceptible to pain and injury whether it be short term or tragically long term if diagnosis treatment and preventive measures are not resorted to in the initial stages.

Most of the people have back-injuries at some point throughout their lives. Back pain is not at all simple to relieve and manage chronic back pain as it is a subjective experience. Medical professional cannot objectively measure it therefore a thorough diagnosis can be challenging to obtain. It can be varied sensations that can be stabbing, throbbing, dull, pulsating to shock-like, to mention a few. In fact, chronic back pain can originate not merely from the muscles or bones, but from the nerves, blood vessels and organs as well. Mainly the chronic back pain can take on different pathways of the nervous system in the body. Once the back muscles or ligaments are injured, receptors gather the impulses and transmit them to the spinal cord.

The pain then extends up to the brain and the whole chronic pain process occurs at different rates. In the acute kind, transmission of impulses to the spinal cord and up to the brain is usually faster whereas in chronic back pain, the whole progression takes on a slower speed. Furthermore, chronic back pain influences the limbic part of the brain that is linked with emotional states, as suggested by experts. It is not surprising why it is escorted by negative and upsetting emotions. As the pain may sometimes be too late, the best treatment is prevention; it is a good insurance policy, so to speak. If soft muscles of the back, such as the ligaments and tendons are injured, early treatment would be necessary to prevent them from aggravating weakness, reduced elasticity and exceeding sensitivity.

For chronic back pain, it may be sensible to apply dry heat to the painful areas which may reduce the discomfort for the time being. Doing specific regular exercises may also be helpful. A hands-on technique to alleviate acute or chronic back pain may also be one of the best methods to follow up. Some of the processes involved in it are done to manipulate or mobilize the joints and the soft tissues. This can be done properly by an osteopathic or chiropractic doctor. Another one of the best preventive and relief measures for chronic back pain is massage or physical therapy. Such would strengthen damaged or debilitated muscles and especially the basic core stabilizers. It may also be wise to enroll in a heath club for a professional rehabilitation program. As with any medical condition, it is always essential to consult the doctor for suitable and effective preventive and relief measures.