Do you have back pain that does not resolve? It may be time for you to consult your local spine specialist for some real relief. Let us look at who suffers from back pain, the reasons for it, and why working with a back pain specialist improves how you feel and function.
What Is Back Pain, and Who Has It?
Back pain is not just a mild inconvenience. It is a widespread health issue affecting a large segment of the American population.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that almost 40 percent of adults in the United States have experienced back pain within the past three months. It is the leading cause of chronic discomfort, surpassing other common ailments such as headaches, limb pain, and toothaches.
Alarmingly, more women than men report ongoing back pain. Plus, the likelihood of developing chronic back pain increases with age.
Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain which makes movement difficult. It can originate in different areas of the back, including the neck (cervical spine), middle (thoracic), or lower (lumbar) section.
Back pain also may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. Understanding the nature of your back pain is the first step towards effective treatment.
What Are the Causes of Back Pain?
A number of factors and circumstances may lead to back pain, including:
- Sudden or repetitive motion injuries, such as strains and sprains from heavy lifting or twisting movements.
- Degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease.
- Herniated or dislocated discs.
- Spinal stenosis, a progressive narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve down the buttocks and into the leg.
- Fractures.
- Tumors.
Understanding the underlying cause helps the spine specialist and you, the patient, arrive at an effective treatment plan.
How Can a Spine Specialist Treat My Back Pain?
When back pain is very severe, does not resolve within a few weeks, or spreads along your limbs, consult an orthopedic spine specialist. This orthopedic doctor is trained to diagnose and treat a wide array of back pain causes.
At the Joint Replacement Institute, we take a comprehensive approach to back pain. Our specialists begin by discussing your symptoms and medical history, followed by imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. This thorough examination allows us to develop a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For many people, conservative treatments can alleviate back pain very effectively. These treatments may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, endurance, posture, balance and flexibility.
- Back bracing to support spinal alignment, along with other assistive devices as needed.
- Pain-relieving medications to manage discomfort.
- Chiropractic care to align the spinal column and to alleviate painful pressure on spinal nerves.
- Patient education demonstrates the best ways to keep your spine healthy and functional at home, on the job, and as you play your favorite sport.
Advanced Pain Management
When conventional methods don’t suffice, our spine team at the Joint Replacement Institute will explore advanced interventions such as:
- Epidural anesthetics and other injection therapies to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Spinal surgeries for structural corrections.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and nerve block injections to disrupt pain signals to the brain.
Amazingly, many injections can now be delivered with the benefits of X-rays or ultrasound guidance for improved effectiveness, accuracy and patient comfort.
Innovative Treatments for Back Pain
We also offer cutting-edge treatments which many people are not familiar with. They include:
- PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma), injections of your body’s own blood platelets to speed natural healing processes
- Artificial disc replacement, which offers a long-term solution for severe disc degeneration
- Laminectomy, which removes a portion of a damaged spinal vertebrae
- Discectomy, which removes an entire bulging (herniated) spinal disc
- Spinal cord stimulation through an implanted electrical device which blocks pain signals to the brain
Take the Next Step with Your Orthopedic Specialist in Naples, FL
Don’t suffer silently from back pain. The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, stands ready to provide an expert evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. You deserve a life free from pain.
Dr. Benjamin Schnee is our spinal surgeon. Dr. Paul Beebe is our interventional pain specialist. Together, this professional team and support staff will help you along your back pain relief journey.
Reach out to us today, and take the first step towards reclaiming your healthiest self. Call for your personalized consultation at (239) 261-2663 or request your visit online. We look forward to serving you!
