Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain refers to any discomfort, stiffness, or irritation that affects any area of your spine, including the lumbar, thoracic, or sacral regions. It can occur due to injuries, underlying health problems, or lifestyle factors like poor posture. 

No matter the cause, it’s important to receive treatment for back pain. Without prompt intervention, back pain only gets worse, and it can negatively impact your mobility, job, or daily life.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Back pain affects everyone differently and varies in severity. Sometimes it causes a dull ache that radiates into your buttocks, legs, or feet. Other times, it causes sharp, stabbing, or shock-like sensations that occur intermittently.

Most back pain resolves on its own with rest and conservative, at-home measures of care. If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, cause weakness in your legs, or occur alongside unexplained weight loss, visit South Valley Neurology right away.

What are some common causes of back pain?

The team at South Valley Neurology treats back pain caused by various conditions, including:

• Nerve damage
• Trauma
• Muscle or ligament strains
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Bulging or ruptured discs

In addition, the team treats back pain caused by infection, strenuous activity, and overuse.

How is back pain diagnosed?

The team at South Valley Neurology diagnoses back pain by reviewing your medical history, asking about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducting a physical exam. During your initial consultation, they have you rate your pain on a scale and assess your ability to stand up, walk around, and lift your legs. 

If these efforts don’t pinpoint the source of your discomfort, the team might order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These tools provide detailed pictures of your bones, joints, and soft tissue structures and can detect fractures, tears, or diseases.

If the team suspects your back pain is due to nerve or muscle damage, they might recommend electromyography (EMG). This diagnostic procedure assesses the health of your nerve cells and muscles.

How is back pain treated?

Treatment of back pain depends on the intensity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Whenever possible, the team at South Valley Neurology recommends conservative, integrative treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication.

If your symptoms persist or get worse, they might recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Cortisone injections
• Radiofrequency neurotomy
• Implanted nerve stimulators
• Surgery

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to minimize discomfort and restore your normal, healthy range of motion.

To receive all-inclusive treatment for back pain, schedule an appointment at South Valley Neurology. Call the nearest office to speak with a caring staff member today.