Chronic back pain can slowly take over your life. Many people start with painkillers and stop there, but long-term management usually needs a broader toolbox.
Medicines – like anti-inflammatory tablets or muscle relaxants – can be helpful in short bursts, especially during flare-ups. But relying only on pills for months or years can bring side effects and rarely solves the root cause.
Physical methods often play a bigger role long term. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening weak muscles, improving mobility, and correcting movement patterns that overload the spine. Simple home exercises, when done regularly, can make a huge difference in daily comfort.
Other approaches include heat or cold packs, posture adjustments, ergonomic changes at work, and in some cases, supportive braces used for limited periods. Techniques like yoga, Pilates, or specific stretching routines can help some people, as long as they’re done gently and with proper guidance.
For severe or unexplained pain, medical evaluation is essential to rule out serious causes. But even when scans show “wear and tear,” building strength and smarter habits is usually more effective than only increasing medication doses.