Back pain is experienced by nearly every person at some point in their lives, but if back pain persists for more than 12 weeks it may be considered chronic. Chronic low back pain has been ranked as the 3rd most burdensome condition in the US. Nearly 20 percent of those that experience low back pain develop chronic pain with symptoms lasting a year or longer. Symptoms of low back pain may include muscle aches, shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility or range of motion, or inability to stand straight. If you have been experiencing symptoms such as these for at least 3 months, you may have chronic low back pain.

There are treatments for chronic low back pain. Unfortunately not all cases are resolved by current therapies and some medications such as opioids and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can have negative side effects and should only be used short term.  There is a need for new, better medications.