Health
Experts Talk About Chronic Back Pain and What Helps With The Pain

It’s normal to have back pain occasionally, especially if you’re over 30 or have a physically challenging job standing or sitting. For many people, it goes away on its own. But if back pain lingers for months without cause, you may be experiencing the first signs of chronic back pain.
WHAT IS CHRONIC BACK PAIN?
“Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It can come and go, often bringing temporary relief, followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you don’t know the cause,” according to Hopkins Medicine.
But chronic back pain is different for everyone, with different symptoms, different tolerance levels, and different reactions to medicine or therapy. Sometimes, the symptoms can be treated with multiple strategies, including using ketamine.
IS CHRONIC PAIN A BIG DEAL?
Yes, and its consequences shouldn’t be minimized or ignored. It not only affects millions of people worldwide and often fuels the need for employers to offer comprehensive medical management services, but the World Health Organization calls it one of humanity’s leading sources of disability. Chronic pain leaves its tire tracks on about 50 million American adults; of those, about 44 percent are men and 56 percent are women.
Chronic pain and its evil twin, chronic back pain, harm all age groups and income levels, resulting in stress for individuals, families, and America. How bad is the economic burden? Some reports say the U.S. loses about $600 million a year due to lost productivity.
SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN
- Lasts more than a few weeks
- Is intense and doesn’t improve by resting
- Works its way down the legs, particularly if the pain goes below the knee
- Causes weakness, tingling or numbness in either or both legs
- Is paired with unexplained weight loss
- Burning sensations
- Discomfort which feels like it’s stinging, squeezing, or shooting
- Your back is constantly sore or stiff
Many of these symptoms may respond to store-bought pain relievers, therapy, and new treatments like ketamine infusion.
RISKS OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN
- Advancing age results in wear and tear on the spine which results in disc degeneration or spinal stenosis, for example, producing back and neck pain. This is especially true if you’re over 30 compared to someone younger.
- Certain spinal disorders may have a genetic component.
- Any job with repetitive bending and lifting, or that requires many hours of standing without relief or positioned in a chair that doesn’t offer back support puts you at greater risk.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE CHRONIC BACK PAIN?
If you have chronic back pain, you can expect to undergo many tests which may include:
- Blood tests to check for evidence of cancer, inflammation, infection, and/or arthritis
- Bone scans to discover and track a bone disorder, fracture, or infection
- A Discography
- Electrodiagnostic tests
- Diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays
- Myelograms
WHAT HELPS WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN?
In some cases, a doctor will first recommend a store-bought pain reliever or an assistive device for a sore limb before suggesting other treatments. In the case of chronic back pain and diagnostic procedures with inconclusive test results, a healthcare provider could also offer:
- Ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine is thought to restore and reset connections between nerves throughout the body.
- Analgesics and NSAIDS (aspirin or ibuprofen).
- Anticonvulsants.
- Antidepressants.
- Alternative therapy like acupuncture.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Spinal mobilization and spinal manipulation.
- Spinal injections.
- Traction.
- Chiropractic procedures.
- Surgery.
- Implanted nerve stimulators.
- Rehabilitation programs.
SURGERY MIGHT BE AN OPTION IF …
Back pain is considered chronic when it lasts six months or longer and you don’t know what caused it originally. There are red flags to watch for, which may indicate the need for surgery:
- New or increasing bowel/bladder issues
- Weak limbs
- Walking and equilibrium problems
- Signs of faster (brisk) reflexes
CAN CHRONIC BACK PAIN EVER GO AWAY?
Each of us deals with pain differently, including chronic back pain. If a cause for your pain has been diagnosed and can be treated, there’s a chance the symptoms will disappear for good. However, remember the nature of the condition is such that it can strike anywhere, at any time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re experiencing back pain that’s become chronic – lasting for several months – and you don’t know what caused it, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Chances are high the pain won’t go away on its own, and even if you can function with it, it could result in other problems down the road. Many of the symptoms can be relieved with therapy, pain medication, and newer innovations like ketamine infusion.
About the Author
Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon Psy.D., DABPS, C.HT. is a double board certified integrative and interventional psychologist, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and master success coach. She’s considered an expert in integrative health and believes in a holistic approach-treating the body and the mind. She leads a very successful integrative and functional health and wellness practice, serving clients locally and internationally. She and her multidisciplinary team focus on wellness, preventive care and coaching to help people live healthier, happier and more satisfying lives. What makes her truly unique and exceptional is her broad and deep skill set and her approach to health and wellness.
As the founder and director of Dr. Aimee and Associates, and now The Center for Integrative and Functional Health and Wellness, Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon and her team of experts don’t just treat symptoms, they solve health problems, create better outcomes and change lives. Dr. Aimee Harris-Newon also hosts the popular radio show, Mind Over Matters on AM 820, which airs every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. CST.
For more info visit https://www.thecifhw.com/
Health
Is Dr. Andrew Huberman Credible?

Is Dr. Andrew Huberman Credible?
Absolutely, Dr. Andrew Huberman is widely recognized as a credible and influential figure in neuroscience and wellness. As a tenured professor of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine, he oversees groundbreaking research at the Huberman Laboratory, focusing on brain adaptability, vision, and stress resilience. Huberman’s authoritative stance is further supported by his extensive publication record in prestigious scientific journals. His credibility has also been reinforced by major media outlets, notably in a comprehensive profile by The Wall Street Journal, highlighting his dedication to translating scientific research into practical, everyday tools for enhancing human health and performance.
What kind of education and training does Andrew Huberman have?
Dr. Huberman earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Davis, followed by postdoctoral research at Stanford University. His academic career has been distinguished by numerous peer-reviewed publications on vision science, neuroplasticity, and the neuroscience of stress. Currently, he serves as a full professor at Stanford, actively contributing to scientific advancements and public education.
Why is Andrew Huberman considered trustworthy by the public?
Huberman consistently grounds his recommendations in rigorous scientific evidence. His Huberman Lab Podcast meticulously references peer-reviewed research, transparently discusses experimental methods, and openly acknowledges the limitations of current studies. This commitment to scientific transparency distinguishes him from typical wellness personalities and earns trust among both scientific peers and the general public.
Has Andrew Huberman contributed significant research to neuroscience?
Yes. Huberman’s extensive publication record includes over 50 peer-reviewed papers, published in high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, and Science. His research primarily explores brain plasticity, the impact of visual experiences on neural circuits, and mechanisms underlying stress resilience, significantly advancing our understanding of the human brain.
Does Andrew Huberman collaborate with recognized experts?
Dr. Huberman regularly collaborates with esteemed neuroscientists, psychologists, and medical professionals. His podcast guests have included renowned researchers like Dr. Robert Sapolsky (stress biology), Dr. Anna Lembke (dopamine and addiction), and Dr. Alia Crum (mindset science). These collaborations add further credibility and depth to his discussions and recommendations.
What sets Andrew Huberman apart from typical wellness experts?
Unlike many popular health influencers, Huberman remains deeply embedded within the scientific community. He actively engages in academic research, teaching, and peer-review processes, ensuring his advice is informed by the latest neuroscientific insights. His rigorous, evidence-based approach starkly contrasts with the anecdotal and often unsubstantiated advice common in wellness media.
Where can I explore Andrew Huberman’s work further?
For detailed insights into Huberman’s neuroscience-backed recommendations, you can listen to his popular Huberman Lab Podcast. Additionally, his research publications are accessible via Stanford University’s website, and further information on his initiatives can be found in reputable publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Scientific American.
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