What to Consider When Back Pain Becomes Chronic

Back pain is a common issue that most people experience at some point in their lives. While many cases resolve on their own, others persist, becoming chronic and significantly impacting daily activities. Chronic back pain, defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, affects approximately 16 million adults in the U.S., according to the American Chiropractic Association.

If you’re struggling with persistent back pain in the Beverly Hills area, Dr. Daniel Benhuri offers expert care and advanced solutions to help you regain control of your life. Here’s what you should consider when back pain becomes chronic.

1. Identifying the Cause of Your Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain often stems from an underlying condition. Common causes include:

• Herniated Discs: When the soft cushion between spinal vertebrae bulges out, causing nerve irritation.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the nerves.
• Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Often due to repetitive movements or poor posture.
• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the spine.

It’s essential to identify the root cause to develop an effective treatment plan. At Dr. Benhuri’s Beverly Hills practice, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as imaging studies and physical evaluations to pinpoint the exact source of your pain.

2. Evaluating Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Before considering surgical intervention, exploring non-surgical treatments is crucial. Some options include:

• Physical Therapy: Focused exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve posture can alleviate pain over time.
• Medication Management: Anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants can provide temporary relief.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area can reduce pain and swelling.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and stress reduction techniques can make a big difference.

“Many cases of chronic back pain can be managed effectively with a combination of therapies tailored to the individual,” explains Dr. Benhuri.

3. Considering Advanced Pain Management Techniques

If traditional treatments aren’t providing sufficient relief, advanced options may be necessary. Some innovative approaches include:

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to target and disable nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Implanting a device that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals to the brain.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures: When necessary, these techniques address structural issues while minimizing recovery time and complications.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), advanced interventions like SCS have shown success rates of over 50-70% in reducing chronic back pain.

4. Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

It’s important to know when your back pain warrants medical attention. Seek help if you experience:

• Pain that persists for more than 12 weeks.
• Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet.
• Weakness in the lower body.
• Difficulty standing, walking, or performing daily activities.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a potential emergency condition known as cauda equina syndrome).

Ignoring chronic back pain can lead to further complications, including reduced mobility and quality of life.

5. Choosing the Right Specialist

Managing chronic back pain requires a comprehensive approach and the expertise of a qualified specialist. Dr. Daniel Benhuri in Beverly Hills is a trusted provider, combining advanced diagnostics with customized treatment plans to deliver exceptional care.

With access to the latest innovations in pain management and minimally invasive spine procedures, Dr. Benhuri ensures that every patient receives a tailored solution to address their unique needs.

Chronic Back Pain? Take the First Step Toward Relief

Chronic back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Whether you’re seeking an accurate diagnosis or exploring advanced treatment options, Dr. Daniel Benhuri is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Beverly Hills office and start your journey toward lasting relief and improved quality of life.