Dealing With Back Pain; What to Know

You may agree that it does not take long to hear complaints about back pain. It may occur due to various reasons, including injuries, medical conditions, and more. Like other pain conditions, you might opt only to treat the pain rather than the root cause of your problem, which does not give a permanent solution. The specialists in lower back pain in Northern Virginia provide detailed and advanced solutions for various types of pain. Continue reading to learn about back pain management and treatment.

What are the causes of back pain?

Different factors may cause back pain, including health conditions and injuries. A proper diagnosis is essential to help find effective treatment. You know you need help when back pain interferes with your daily life activities.

In addition, comprehensive treatments are critical to relieve the pain and prevent complications. Here are the typical causes of back pain.

  •         Herniated discs
  •         Degenerative disc disease
  •         Vertebra fractures
  •         Osteoporosis
  •         Muscle strain
  •         Osteoarthritis
  •         Cancer
  •         Scoliosis and structural deformities

Back pain can also result from heavy lifting, poor postures, and inappropriate movements. Sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods can also cause back pain.

Your health providers at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists offer a complete diagnosis to identify the exact cause of your back pain. They also advise you on the appropriate movements and positioning to prevent severe issues.

When to seek help for back pain?

Some cases of back pain are not severe and might not require medical help. Usually, you can eliminate or reduce your back pain by resting, stretching, and exercising, among other conservative treatments at home. However, when your pain doesn’t feel better after the at-home remedies, it’s time to find medical help.

You can also consult with a medical specialist when you experience the following.

  •         Leg pain or numbness
  •         A recent traumatic injury
  •         Urinary or fecal incontinence
  •         Low extremity focal weakness
  •         Visible inflammation and swelling in the back

During your consultation, your provider conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms. Your provider might also request blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, among other imaging tests, to identify your pain and create a customized treatment plan.

What are your treatment options for back pain?

Your treatment at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists combine different approaches to give the best outcomes.

Lifestyle modifications

Your provider suggests various things to improve your back pain.

  •         Weight loss
  •         Maintaining the right posture
  •         Taking breaks from prolonged sitting
  •         Exercises for muscle build-up and pain relief

Medications

It includes medications to alleviate inflammation and pain.

  •         Over-the-counter pain relievers
  •         Muscle relaxants
  •         Topical pain relievers

Therapies

These techniques help strengthen your muscles and restore your spinal alignment. They may include;

  •         Massage
  •         Acupuncture
  •         Physical therapy

Interventional treatment

Your provider recommends interventional treatment when conservative methods don give you relief.

  •         Facet joint injections
  •         Radiofrequency ablation
  •         Epidural steroid injections
  •         Medial branch nerve diagnostic blocks

Spinal cord stimulation may also be helpful in severe cases of back pain.

Back pain affects your overall health and might disrupt your normal body functioning and routine activities. Finding the root cause of your pain is an effective way to find a lasting solution. Contact the pain management specialists today at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists for a consultation.