Back Pain Treatment
Comprehensive solutions for chronic and acute back pain
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that leaves the person incapacitated. The pain may be acute (lasting less than six weeks), subacute (six to twelve weeks), or chronic (lasting more than twelve weeks). Back pain can originate from various structures including muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, joints, or bones of the spine, and may be mechanical or related to underlying medical conditions.
The lumbar region (lower back) is most commonly affected due to its role in supporting the upper body's weight and facilitating movement. While most episodes of acute back pain resolve with conservative treatment, chronic back pain can significantly impact quality of life, work productivity, and mental health. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment, though in many cases, no specific structural abnormality can be identified, leading to a diagnosis of nonspecific back pain.
Common Causes
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Repeated heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements, or poor posture can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments, causing painful muscle spasms
Bulging or Herniated Discs
Discs act as cushions between vertebrae; when the soft material inside a disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior, it can press on nearby nerves
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back and lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord
Skeletal Irregularities
Conditions such as scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) can lead to back pain, typically in middle age
Osteoporosis
Vertebrae can develop compression fractures if bones become porous and brittle
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs can cause pain and reduced flexibility
Symptoms
Muscle ache or shooting, burning pain in the affected area
Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking
Pain that improves with reclining or changing positions
Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the back
Muscle spasms in the lower back region
Difficulty standing up straight without pain
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet (when nerves are involved)
Advanced Treatment Options
Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroids injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, particularly effective for radicular pain
Radiofrequency Ablation
Uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves carrying pain signals from the facet joints, providing longer-lasting relief
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Implanted device that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain
Intrathecal Pain Pump
Surgically implanted device that delivers pain medication directly to the spinal fluid, allowing for lower doses and fewer side effects
Regenerative Medicine
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections to promote healing of damaged tissues and reduce inflammation
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Procedures such as microdiscectomy or laminectomy to decompress nerves or stabilize the spine with smaller incisions and faster recovery
Multidisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation
Comprehensive approach combining physical therapy, psychological counseling, medication management, and functional restoration
Ready to Find Relief from Back Pain?
Schedule a consultation with our pain management specialists to discuss personalized treatment options.