What is back pain?
Your spine contains a complex network of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and vertebrae. Every day, these components undergo significant strain, assisting you in almost every activity, from standing and walking to lifting and grabbing. If you strain a muscle or experience a slipped disc, back pain is likely to follow. Fortunately, with prompt treatment, it’s also possible to manage.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
The symptoms of back pain vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause. Common signs of back pain, include:
- Muscle aches
- Shooting pain
- Stabbing pain
- Pain that radiates down the leg
- Pain that improves with rest
If you suffer from back pain, you might also notice your pain gets worse during physical activity such as standing, walking, lifting, or twisting.
What are some common causes of back pain?
Back pain occurs for a variety of reasons. At Athens Spine Center, the interventional pain management experts regularly diagnose and treat back pain caused by:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament strains
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Arthritis
- Skeletal irregularities
- Osteoporosis
- Work-related injuries
- Sports-related injuries
The team also works with people who experience back pain following surgery. In particular, they specialize in addressing failed back surgery syndrome. Even if you’ve tried various treatments without success, it’s possible to find relief.
How is back pain diagnosed?
To diagnose back pain, your Athens Spine Center provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions about your symptoms. Next, your provider assesses your ability to walk, stand, sit, and lift your legs. Your provider also asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and to describe how it affects your mobility and day-to-day tasks.
If your provider suspects a specific ailment is the cause of your back pain, they might also order X-rays, an MRI, or a series of laboratory tests. After gathering the necessary information, your provider develops a custom treatment plan to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How is back pain treated?
Treatment for back pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Whenever possible, the providers at Athens Spine Center use conservative, minimally invasive treatments. Depending on your symptoms, they might recommend:
- PRP therapy
- Bone marrow transplants
- Stem cell therapy
- Dorsal root ganglion therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Medial branch nerve block
- Cortisone shots
If these measures don’t provide adequate relief, your provider might recommend surgical intervention.
Don’t let back pain prevent you from spending time with your loved ones or participating in the activities you love. Book an appointment at Athens Spine Center by calling the office today.
