My Back Hurts All the Time: Causes, Diagnosis, and What Really Helps

Date of publication: 11.02.2026

Content:

  1. What Does Constant Back Pain Mean
  2. Common Reasons Why Your Back Hurts All the Time
  3. When Constant Back Pain May Be Serious
  4. How Constant Back Pain Is Diagnosed
  5. What Helps When Your Back Hurts All the Time
  6. What Does Not Help Constant Back Pain
  7. Can Constant Back Pain Get Better
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Conclusion
“My back hurts all the time” is a phrase doctors hear every day. Constant back pain can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, especially when it interferes with work, sleep, and daily life. If your back pain never seems to go away, it usually means there is an underlying issue that needs proper evaluation and long-term management.

This article explains why back pain can become constant, what conditions may cause it, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment approaches actually help.
What Does Constant Back Pain Mean
Back pain is considered chronic when it lasts longer than three months, even if the intensity changes from day to day. Constant back pain may feel like:
  • A dull, ongoing ache
  • Stiffness that never fully resolves
  • Sharp pain during certain movements
  • Pain that worsens with sitting or standing
  • Discomfort that interferes with sleep
Chronic back pain is not just a symptom—it is often a condition that requires a structured treatment plan.
Common Reasons Why Your Back Hurts All the Time
  • Muscle Imbalance and Chronic Tension

    One of the most common causes of constant back pain is ongoing muscle tension caused by:
    • Poor posture
    • Prolonged sitting
    • Weak core muscles
    • Repetitive movements
    • Stress-related muscle tightening
    Over time, muscles remain in a guarded, tense state, leading to persistent pain.
  • Disc-Related Problems

    Spinal discs are frequent contributors to chronic back pain.
    Common disc issues include:
    • Bulging discs
    • Herniated discs
    • Degenerative disc disease
    Disc-related pain often worsens with sitting, bending, or prolonged inactivity and may radiate into the legs or arms.
  • Degenerative Spine Changes

    Age-related degeneration can cause constant discomfort, especially when combined with reduced mobility.
    Examples include:
    • Facet joint arthritis
    • Spinal stenosis
    • Disc degeneration
    These conditions often develop gradually and worsen over time if untreated.
  • Nerve Compression

    If a spinal nerve is compressed or irritated, pain may become persistent.
    Signs of nerve involvement include:
    • Radiating pain
    • Numbness or tingling
    • Burning sensations
    • Muscle weakness
    Nerve-related pain rarely improves without targeted treatment.
  • Poor Movement Patterns

    How you move throughout the day matters.
    Common contributors:
    • Improper lifting technique
    • Limited hip mobility
    • Weak glute and core muscles
    • Lack of physical activity
    Poor movement mechanics continuously overload the spine.
  • Stress and the Nervous System

    Chronic stress plays a major role in ongoing back pain.
    Stress can:
    • Increase muscle tension
    • Heighten pain sensitivity
    • Disrupt sleep and recovery
    • Slow healing
    Pain becomes more persistent when the nervous system stays in a heightened state.
When Constant Back Pain May Be Serious
Seek medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by:
  • Progressive leg or arm weakness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the groin area
  • Fever or unexplained weight loss
  • Severe pain after trauma
These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent care.
How Constant Back Pain Is Diagnosed
  • Medical History and Physical Examination

    Diagnosis starts with understanding:
    • How long the pain has lasted
    • What makes it better or worse
    • Daily activity levels
    • Posture and movement patterns
    A physical exam evaluates strength, mobility, and nerve function.
  • Imaging Studies

    Imaging is used when needed:
    • MRI to assess discs and nerves
    • X-rays for alignment and degeneration
    • CT scans in selected cases
    Imaging results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, as many people have abnormalities without pain.
What Helps When Your Back Hurts All the Time
  • Active Treatment, Not Just Pain Relief

    Long-term relief comes from addressing the cause, not just masking pain.
    Effective approaches include:
    • Physical therapy
    • Guided exercise programs
    • Movement retraining
    Posture correction
  • Physical Therapy and Exercise

    Physical therapy helps by:
    • Reducing muscle tension
    • Improving spinal stability
    • Strengthening core muscles
    • Correcting faulty movement patterns
    Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for chronic back pain.
  • Supporting Natural Healing

    For disc-related pain, the body can heal through:
    • Reduced inflammation
    • Natural disc resorption
    • Improved circulation
    Structured conservative treatment supports these processes.
  • Lifestyle Changes That Matter

    Chronic back pain often improves when you:
    • Stay physically active
    • Improve sleep quality
    • Manage stress
    • Maintain a healthy weight
    • Avoid prolonged sitting
    Small daily changes can have a large impact.
  • Manual and Supportive Therapies

    Supportive treatments may include:
    • Therapeutic massage
    • Soft tissue techniques
    • Gentle mobilization
    These methods reduce muscle guarding and improve comfort when combined with active treatment.
What Does Not Help Constant Back Pain
Avoid relying only on:
  • Prolonged rest
  • Passive treatments without exercise
  • Ignoring pain signals
  • Repeated short-term fixes
Chronic pain usually requires a long-term strategy.
Can Constant Back Pain Get Better
Yes. Even if your back has hurt for months or years, improvement is possible. Research shows that with the right combination of education, movement, and rehabilitation, many people significantly reduce pain and regain function.

Consistency and active participation are key.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is resorption therapy scientifically proven?
    Yes. MRI studies consistently confirm spontaneous disc resorption.
  • Does resorption therapy replace surgery?
    In many cases, yes. Most patients avoid surgery with proper conservative care.
  • Can cervical discs resorb as well?
    Yes. Disc resorption occurs in both cervical and lumbar spine.
  • Is resorption therapy safe?
    Yes, when guided by trained healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Natural treatment for herniated disc combined with resorption therapy offers a powerful, evidence-based alternative to surgery. By supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, resorption therapy reduces disc size, relieves nerve compression, and restores function without invasive procedures.

For most patients, a structured resorption-focused program provides long-term relief, functional recovery, and a safer path to spinal health.