Back pain explained: Know the causes, treatments, and beyond

Almost 80% of all adults experience back pain at some point in their lives. If you have pain in your lower back that hasn’t got better in a week, even with painkillers, you should see a doctor. There could be varied underlying causes of back pain, and only an experienced pain specialist can take steps for an accurate diagnosis. Look for Hyattsville anesthesiology and pain management clinics to book an appointment. In this post, check essential details that need your attention.

Causes for back pain

Back pain can be triggered by causes like gym injuries, lifting heavy objects, sleeping on the stomach, sitting/standing for long hours, trauma, bending, and poor posture. Patients often ignore soft tissue injuries only to deal with complications later. You may also experience pain related to conditions like strain, sprain, facet syndrome, arthritis, spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, degenerative joint disease, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and sciatica. While symptoms may often overlap, determining the exact cause is crucial.

Diagnosis for back pain

Your pain doctor will start with a physical exam and will check your spinal range of motion to determine the source of back pain. They will also order tests to check muscle strength, joint function, neurological function, and flexibility. X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests may be necessary to determine the exact cause of pain. The treatment plan depends on the symptoms and cause of the condition, and if it is related to acute trauma, you may not need extensive care for a long time.

How is back pain treated?

After the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a few self-care tips and oral medications to see whether you respond to primary treatment. Physical therapy and specialized back exercises often help in reducing chronic back pain. Other treatments include electrical nerve stimulation, soft tissue therapy, and interventional pain management. If non-invasive and alternative treatments fail to offer relief from extreme pain, your doctor may recommend seeing an orthopedist for a surgical consultation.

Final word

Living your life can be quite a hassle with chronic back pain. While surgery may seem scary, it is always the last line of treatment. There are therapies and treatments that can help heal the nerves that trigger pain, and even with injections and electrical nerve stimulation, you may see immediate results. Talk to your doctor in detail about the various treatments and understand the pros and cons of each option before you decide.