Chronic back pain:
how osteopathy relieve persistent lower back pain?
What is chronic back pain ?
Definition and characteristics
Chronic low-back pain is persistent pain in the lumbar region, i.e. the lower back, that has lasted for more than three months. It's the most common cause of disability, work absenteeism and reduced quality of life, affecting a large proportion of the world's population. Low back pain can be of mechanical origin, linked to alterations in the spine and surrounding structures, or non-mechanical, with more complex causes such as inflammatory or metabolic diseases.
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​Causes of chronic low back pain​
Mechanical factors
They are the most frequent causes. They include postural disorders, lumbar osteoarthritis, herniated discs, intervertebral discs degeneration, muscular contractures.
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Non-mechanical factors
Less common, these causes can include inflammatory pathologies (such as ankylosing spondylitis), infections, or visceral disorders such as kidney disease.
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Psychosocial factors
Stress, anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders can influence pain perception and promote chronicity.
Symptoms of chronic low back pain
The symptoms of chronic low back pain are varied and can include:
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Diffuse pain in the lower back, sometimes radiating to the buttocks and legs.
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Morning stiffness, especially after prolonged periods of rest.
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Functional limitations in everyday movements such as bending or lifting.
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Sometimes tingling, burning or numbness in the lower limbs.
Treatment and management of chronic back pain
Medications
​Analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and sometimes muscle relaxants are often prescribed to reduce pain. In some cases, antidepressants or antiepileptics may be used for their action on chronic pain.
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Functional rehabilitation and physiotherapy
Physiotherapy aims to strengthen back muscles and improve posture. Stabilization, muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises are essential to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT)
CBT can help modify negative pain-related behaviors and perceptions, particularly in patients suffering from depression or anxiety associated with their low-back pain.
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Osteopathy and manual therapy
Osteopathy is a first-choice non-drug treatment for chronic lower back pain (or persistent back pain). During a consultation, the osteopath identifies mobility restrictions that overload the spine—vertebral joints, intervertebral discs, fascia, and paravertebral muscles.
In addition, osteopaths specialized in chronic pain will incorporate a prevention and patient autonomy program into their treatment:
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Stretching and strengthening program (core strengthening, lumbar stabilization) to consolidate the results of the sessions.
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Ergonomic advice: workplace layout, carrying loads, sleeping position.
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Therapeutic education on stress management, a major factor in central sensitization.
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Personalized follow-up: frequency adjusted according to progress (often 3–5 sessions to initiate change).
Treatment recommendations
