Health

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

Published

5 years ago

November 9, 2020

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

Bloat-Free & Energized: How Dr. Ming’s Teas Fit Into a Healthy Lifestyle

Published

4 weeks ago

March 24, 2026

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Ming

Byline: Margot Everly

Herbal teas have long been known for their soothing qualities, but Dr. Ming’s range of products takes it a step further, providing a holistic approach to wellness through clinically tested, herbal-based solutions. With a focus on metabolism support, digestion, detoxification, and overall well-being, Dr. Ming’s teas aim to help individuals feel lighter, energized, and more balanced, all without the use of artificial additives.

The Three-Step System for Wellness

Dr. Ming’s flagship offering is its three-step tea bundle, a combination of Dr. Ming Green Tea, Pineapple Tea, and Sleep Tea, designed to work synergistically throughout the day to support various aspects of wellness. Each product targets different health concerns, starting with metabolism boosting in the morning and winding down to detoxification and restful sleep at night.

Dr. Ming Green Tea is a key part of the system. It’s designed to support digestion, fat oxidation, and energy levels by helping to accelerate metabolism naturally. “Green tea has long been recognized for its role in supporting metabolic function,” says Evelyn Chang, CEO of Dr. Ming. “Our blend enhances that effect, allowing users to feel more energized throughout the day without the need for artificial stimulants.”

Following the morning boost, Dr. Ming Pineapple Tea steps in during the afternoon. Its combination of natural ingredients works to reduce bloating and support the body’s detoxification processes. By promoting digestive health, this tea aims to make users feel lighter and more comfortable, easing the discomfort of bloating that often comes with modern diets. The final part of the system is the Sleep Tea, which helps to reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote a restful night’s sleep.

Gut Health and Digestion: A Foundation of Wellness

A common issue for many individuals is digestive discomfort, whether it’s bloating, sluggish digestion, or irregularity. Dr. Ming’s Pineapple Tea aims to address these concerns by offering a natural solution to support gut health. The benefits of good digestive health are numerous; it’s not only about comfort but also about the body’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively and maintain energy levels.

Chang explains, “Digestion is at the core of many of our health issues. When your digestive system is out of balance, everything else follows suit. We’ve formulated our Pineapple Tea to support the digestive process and reduce bloating, giving our customers a natural solution that helps them feel lighter, more energized, and ready to take on the day.”

Beyond the digestive benefits, the teas also play a role in the body’s natural detoxification process. Both the Pineapple Tea and the Green Tea include ingredients that help promote the elimination of toxins, contributing to the body’s overall health. This detox support is key in a lifestyle that values holistic well-being.

The Sleep Tea: Stress Relief and Better Sleep

Many people struggle with getting quality sleep. Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep hygiene are common culprits, leaving individuals feeling tired and sluggish. Dr. Ming’s Sleep Tea targets this issue with ingredients designed to calm the mind and promote a deep, restorative sleep.

“This tea has been a favorite among our customers who want to unwind and improve their sleep quality,” Chang says. “We focused on creating a formula that helps people relax and destress naturally, without relying on chemicals or sleep aids that may cause dependency.”

The Sleep Tea is a gentle way to reduce anxiety, offering a natural remedy for those who find it hard to quiet their minds at the end of a busy day. By promoting relaxation, it supports the body’s ability to detoxify overnight, allowing users to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

A Sustainable Approach to Wellness

What sets Dr. Ming’s teas apart from other wellness products on the market is the focus on long-term, sustainable results. Unlike many quick-fix solutions that promise rapid weight loss or extreme detoxification, Dr. Ming’s teas provide a balanced approach to overall wellness.

“The goal of our products is not just to support natural body balance or gentle detox, but to help create a sustainable wellness routine that people can maintain over time,” says Chang. “We believe in helping people feel better in their bodies by offering natural solutions that integrate into daily life, rather than offering a fleeting, short-term solution.”

This strategy aligns with the growing trend of individuals seeking more sustainable, natural products that support a healthy lifestyle without relying on drastic measures. Dr. Ming’s teas are carefully formulated to be gentle, offering benefits over time without the harsh side effects often associated with other weight management and detox products.

Customer Satisfaction and Global Reach

With over a million satisfied customers worldwide, Dr. Ming has established a strong reputation for its effectiveness. Customer reviews frequently highlight the positive impact the teas have had on digestion, energy levels, and overall health. As Dr. Ming expands its reach internationally, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, natural products that align with the progressing wellness needs of its customers.

The company has recently launched a subscription service, allowing customers to receive their favorite teas delivered regularly, further simplifying the process of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This has resonated particularly well with those who seek convenience in their wellness routines.

In a crowded market of wellness products, Dr. Ming’s holistic approach—blending the best of traditional herbal remedies with modern science—offers a refreshing alternative to those seeking a natural way to feel energized, supported, and balanced.