Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer. It can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts daily life. It often fluctuates, with bouts of temporary relief occurring, before flaring up again- which can be understandably frustrating for sufferers, especially if the underlying cause is unclear. Chronic back pain is frequently associated with age-related changes such as arthritis of the spine, which involves the thinning of spinal cartilage, and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that can pinch nerves. Other common causes include disc issues like herniations or bulges, and myofascial pain syndrome, characterized by persistent muscle pain and tenderness. In many cases, the exact cause of chronic back pain is hard to pin down, which makes  treatment more challenging. However, a good physiotherapist or osteopath can often help you achieve some progress over time. If initial treatments do not provide relief, seeking a second opinion or consulting a specialist may be advisable, to explore further diagnostic and treatment options.