Why is Chronic Back Pain Such a Medical Mystery?
Long term back discomfort can be very hard to work with because, many times, the signs of tissue damage or injury have little or nothing to do with the feelings of soreness. While one person may have discomfort and a bulging vertebral disc, other patients have absolutely no pain caused by a bulging or herniated disc or even more serious injury.
As back pain develops, it can also be difficult for the patient and doctor to determine where the source of the problem is actually located. Very often, the feelings of soreness are felt in a certain region but do not relate well to any particular anatomical feature.
Once discomfort starts to become more long term, it seems to take on a life of its own. People might have a continuous nagging ache along with occasional flare-ups of severe pain. Furthermore, the feelings can travel around the body, causing problems other places in the spine, neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and even further.