When do I need medical treatment for back pain?
Because back pain is so common, many people think it’s a normal part of life. This is why so many people suffer for much longer than they need to. Very mild short-term back pain may not be an issue, but there are certain signs that tell you when it’s time to seek medical care. These include:
- Pain starts suddenly and is severe
- Rest and over-the-counter medication don’t work
- Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Pain keeps increasing
- Pain shoots into your leg
- Pain occurs alongside numbness or tingling
- Pain occurs along with bowel or bladder issues
- Pain causes stiffness or lack of movement
- Pain becomes severe enough to impact your normal lifestyle
These symptoms can indicate a major problem inside your spine, which could greatly worsen without treatment. For example, an untreated disc herniation could eventually lead to permanent nerve damage or even paralysis.
What causes back pain?
Back pain may occur in your upper (cervical), middle (thoracic), or lower (lumbar) spine, and it has many possible causes. Some of the most common reasons you might have back pain include:
- Fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Disc herniation
- Ligament or muscle strain
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint issues
- Spondylolysis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
Some risk factors, including age over 30, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, cigarette smoking, and improper lifting methods (lifting with your back), can all increase your chances of back pain.
How is back pain treated?
The specialists at Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP, offer comprehensive treatment options.
Conservative approaches
For some types of back pain, you may simply need to make changes like losing extra weight and wearing corrective shoes.
Injections
If your back pain continues, your doctor may suggest injections. With corticosteroid or other anti-inflammatory injections, your doctor can target the specific area of inflammation that’s causing your pain. Injections can offer several months of relief.
Surgery
The team performs many different orthopedic surgery procedures, including spinal fusion, discectomies, disc replacements, laminectomy, spinal cord stimulator implantation, and kyphoplasty. The skilled orthopedic surgeons frequently use minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopic surgery, that require tiny, button-size incisions.
Physical therapy
For all types of back pain treatment, physical therapy is important in your recovery. Through physical therapy exercises, you can improve your spinal mobility and stability. Physical therapy often includes additional pain-relieving treatments that ease discomfort as you recover.
