Difference between acute back pain and chronic back pain – how yoga therapy can help

According to WHO, approximately 1.71 billion people live with musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, fractures, other injuries, osteoarthritis, amputation and rheumatoid arthritis. Low back pain is the main contributor to the overall burden of musculoskeletal conditions 570 million prevalent cases worldwide

 

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp and intense pain and can be caused by anything from muscle strain to spinal injury or an underlying medical condition. Regardless of the cause, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, and it’s important to seek appropriate treatment and relief.

 

The Differences Between Acute and Chronic Back Pain

There are two main types of back pain: acute and chronic. 

Acute back pain is usually short-term, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It typically results from an injury or sudden strain and can range from mild to severe. 

On the other hand, chronic back pain is a long-term condition lasting more than three months and may be due to underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or fibromyalgia.

Acute back pain is often caused by an injury, such as lifting a heavy object or straining a muscle. Symptoms include a sharp pain that worsens with movement and may accompany soreness and stiffness. In some cases, it can cause muscle spasms or radiating pain. Acute back pain usually resolves independently with rest and home remedies such as heat and ice therapy.

Chronic back pain, however, is usually caused by an underlying medical condition. It can be characterized by persistent, throbbing pain that may worsen at certain times of the day or after physical activity. Other symptoms may include stiffness, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. Unlike acute back pain, chronic back pain requires medical intervention to manage the condition effectively. Treatment typically includes medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as exercise, stress management, and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.

 

Yoga Therapy for Back Pain

Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to relieving back pain. It combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to strengthen the muscles, reduce inflammation and increase flexibility in the back. With regular practice, yoga can help reduce pain levels and improve mobility. Additionally, yoga helps reduce stress, which is a major contributor to chronic back pain. Lastly, yoga teaches us to become more aware of our body and its limitations and stay mindful of our movements and posture.

 

Management of Back Pain

Acute Pain:

During acute pain episodes, rest is important. Rest in bed which could vary from a few days up to 4 weeks, until the severity of the pain comes down. Muscle relaxants, cold or hot therapy, painkillers, and immobilization will help to get relief from acute pain.

A yogic relaxation technique can be practised during this time. It is based on the concept of stimulation and relaxation.

Chronic Back Pain

It is important to understand the root cause of chronic back pain. Based on the condition, different sets of stretching, yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation techniques can be practised. When dealing with chronic back pain, regular practice is required to release tightness, increase circulation, and support spinal health. Some of the poses  like

 

• • Cat/Cow Pose, 
  • Cobra Pose, 
  • Triangle Pose, 
  • Bridge Pose. 

Regular practice can help to reduce pain and improve flexibility in the lower back.

 

Conclusion

“Yoga helps strengthen and stretch back muscles that might be tight, which improves mobility,” says Dr Lauren Elson, medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report An Introduction to Yoga

Back pain can be frustrating to manage, and it’s essential to understand the differences between acute and chronic back pain to treat it best. Fortunately, several yoga poses and breathing exercises can help alleviate both acute and chronic back pain. Many people have practised yoga for back pain and got relief from their symptoms and pain. Regular yoga practice for back pain can help to reduce muscular tension, build flexibility and strength and improve balance and bone strength so that you can do your daily activities easily.