Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

The back contains 33 vertebrae and many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that help stabilize and support the rest of your body. Responsible for many of your body’s basic functions, including movement, the back is also vulnerable to injury and damage. 

A variety of conditions can cause back pain, including:

Herniated disc

In between each of your vertebrae sits a small disc that acts as a shock absorber and provides minor flexibility in the spine. These discs include a soft, gel-like center and a harder outer shell. 

Small cracks or fractures outside the disc can cause the center to push through and irritate surrounding nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes joint pain. A breakdown of cartilage can cause arthritis, or the condition can develop as an autoimmune disease. Back pain, stiffness, and limited flexibility are hallmarks of arthritis in the back.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows. As the spinal canal compresses, it puts pressure on the spinal cord. This compression can lead to chronic pain and damage.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition that causes porous, brittle bones. When the bones in your spine lose their durability, fractures can occur.

Muscle strain

Twisting the wrong way or lifting weights without proper conditioning can cause the muscles and ligaments in your back to strain or tear.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, down your buttocks, and the back of your legs. Compression of this long nerve not only causes lower back pain but can also lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks and legs.

How is back pain diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing frequent back pain, your Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management provider may perform a physical exam and medical history review. In addition, they may order additional testing, such as bloodwork, X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan.

What are the treatments for back pain?

Once your pain specialist diagnoses the cause of your back pain, they can customize a plan to treat it. Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management takes a multimodal approach to back pain treatment, giving your doctor a range of options to alleviate the source of your discomfort.

Your back pain treatment plan may include:

• Facet joint injections
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery

To learn more about back pain, call Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management or schedule an appointment online today.