In Israel, the issue of treating chronic back pain is very relevant. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for three months or more.
Causes
Pain is caused by muscle imbalance, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of proper posture, and weakness of the abdominal muscles, as these factors can lead to compression of the spine. Back pain may result from injury or excessive muscle strain, or from certain diseases such as spondylolisthesis and cervical radiculopathy. Chronic pain can also be caused by changes in the skeleton itself, such as compression of intervertebral discs or damage to the surfaces of the intervertebral joints.
Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain
Back pain can be sharp, dull, aching, pulsating, burning, and can occur in the upper, central, or lower part of the back, depending on its underlying cause.
Diagnosis of Chronic Back Pain in Israel
There are certain challenges in diagnosing spinal pain, as there are too many diseases and conditions that can cause it. However, if the pain is chronic, in Israel, with comprehensive information about the patient's condition, thorough physical and neurological examinations, and diagnostic procedures, an accurate diagnosis can be established, which will be the key to successful treatment. Diagnostic investigations are conducted using simple X-rays, bone scintigraphy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies.
Treatment of Chronic Back Pain in Israel
The methods currently available in Israel for treating chronic back pain are divided into three groups: invasive (surgical), minimally invasive, and non-invasive. The physician makes a decision for each case individually, depending on the complexity and personal psychological type of the patient. Invasive methods include all types of surgical interventions. Minimally invasive methods typically involve various types of injections, radiofrequency and cryoablation, and chemical neurolysis. Non-invasive methods include massage, acupuncture, cryotherapy, muscle electrical stimulation, exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacological therapy.
Prevention
The best prevention of chronic back pain is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, proper nutrition, regular physical exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Additionally, it is important to choose an optimal sleeping position, comfortable footwear for walking, monitor posture, maintain a normal weight, lift heavy objects correctly, and take care of one's nervous system.