Back pain is a common condition that affects people worldwide, not just in the United States. It can range from moderate discomfort to excruciating pain, significantly impairing one’s quality of life. However, back pain can be treated and avoided with suitable management measures. 

Common types of Back Pain (Acute vs. Chronic)

Back pain is categorized into two main types: acute and chronic.

  • Acute back pain is a quick start of discomfort that lasts for a short period, often less than three months. 
  • Chronic back pain, on the other hand, lasts for a long period, usually three months or longer. 

Common Causes of Back Pain

  • Lifting heavy goods, using improper lifting skills, performing rapid twisting or bending activities, or engaging in repetitive duties that strain the back muscles can all contribute to back pain.
  • Herniated discs: Herniated discs, also known as slipped or burst discs, can cause significant back pain. When a disc herniates, the soft inner core protrudes through the tough outer covering, irritating and inflaming nearby nerves.
  • Spinal stenosis is defined as spinal canal narrowing, which houses the spinal cord and nerves. This restriction can cause nerve pressure, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness. Spinal stenosis is caused by age-related changes such as osteoarthritis or structural faults at birth.
  • Chronic back pain can develop as the discs lose their flexibility and capacity to cushion the vertebrae. A combination of factors, including aging, inheritance, and repetitive stress on the spine, causes degenerative disc degeneration.
  • Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics can strain the back excessively, resulting in pain and discomfort. Common reasons include prolonged sitting, reclining, and improperly carrying heavy weights.

To manage back pain effectively, there are several approaches and treatments available:

  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Prescription pain relievers may be necessary for more severe cases or chronic pain.
  • Muscle relaxants: These medications can help alleviate muscle spasms, which often accompany back pain.
  • Physical therapy: Working with physical therapists can provide exercises and techniques to strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and relieve chronic pain.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This therapy involves the use of a device that delivers low-voltage electrical currents to the affected area, which can help block pain signals.
  • Spinal cord stimulation: This procedure involves implanting a device that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord, helping to interrupt pain signals.
  • Alternative treatments: Some individuals find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.
  • Back pain relief exercises: Engaging in exercises specifically targeted for back pain, such as stretching, strengthening the core and abdominal muscles, and practicing proper body mechanics, can help alleviate pain and prevent further injuries.
  • Seeking professional help: Pain management specialists can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address chronic low back pain.
  • Managing acute pain: In cases of sudden and severe back pain, it’s essential to rest, apply ice or heat, and avoid activities that make the pain worse. If the pain persists or worsens, seeking medical attention is advised.

Remember, every individual’s experience with back pain is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate chronic back pain treatment.

Back Pain Symptoms

Back pain can range from aches and pains in the muscles to shooting pains down the legs. We do recommend seeing a pain specialist if you are experiencing back pain that:

  • It lasts more than a few weeks
  • Causes weakness or tingling in the legs
  • Severe pain that does not improve

In some cases, immediate medical attention is required for back pain that:

  • Causes bowel or bladder problems
  • Accompanied by a fever
  • The result of any impact on the back

Self-Care and Home Remedies

Rest:

One of the critical aspects of managing back pain is finding the right balance between rest and activity. Here are some points to consider when it comes to rest and activity modification for optimal recovery:

  • Balance rest and activity for optimal recovery
  • Appropriate bed rest duration
  • Know the importance of maintaining mobility

Heat and Cold Therapy:

Understanding the proper application methods and durations might help these therapies work more effectively:

  • Pain management using hot or cold packs: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax muscles, increase blood flow, and relieve pain. Heat sources include heating pads, towels, and baths/showers. 
  • Cold therapy: It reduces inflammation and numbs the area, relieving pain. You can use ice packs wrapped in a cloth or a bag of frozen vegetables. Apply cold therapy for 15-20 minutes several times per day.
  • Heat therapy precautions: Avoid applying heat directly to the skin to avoid burns. Make sure the heat source is not too hot to prevent injury. Never sleep with a heating pad on your body to avoid burns.
  • Cold therapy precautions: Include wrapping cold packs in a small cloth to protect the skin from ice burn. Keep application time to a minimum to avoid skin irritation. Allow the skin to return to average temperature before resuming cold therapy.

Physical Therapy and Exercise:

Exercise and physical therapy are essential in the treatment of back pain. They promote the growth of strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

  • Back pain can be relieved by strengthening the muscles that support the back, such as the erector, spinal, and multifidus. Two exercises that can help target these muscles are back extensions and supermans.
  • Stretching the back, hips, and legs muscles can help improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension. Gentle stretching exercises such as the cat-camel, knee-to-chest, and hamstring stretches can be beneficial. Hold each period for 20-30 seconds without jumping.
  • Swimming, walking, or using an elliptical machine are all low-impact aerobic activities that can improve cardiovascular fitness while minimizing back pain. These exercises improve blood flow, muscle strength, and general wellness.
  • Working with a physical therapist can provide professional guidance and training routines tailored to your unique needs and condition. They may assess your posture and movement habits and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate back pain and prevent a recurrence.

Back Pain Treatment

If you’re suffering from back discomfort, pain management can help. Your suffering might stop because of the skills of our team of pain specialists. We may employ any of the following techniques depending on the location, cause, and severity of your back pain:

  • Pain pumps: Pain pumps can deliver medication directly to the affected area to provide targeted relief and reduce inflammation.
  • Epidural steroid injection: This treatment involves injecting anti-inflammatory drugs into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Spinal cord stimulator: A spinal cord stimulator is an implantable device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing lasting relief.
  • Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable specific nerves causing pain.
  • Medication: We may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, along with other medications, to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy: Physical therapy is an essential treatment option for back pain. It includes exercises, stretching, and techniques that promote healing, improve spine health, and strengthen the body properly.
  • Nerve block: Nerve block injections involve injecting medications directly into or near specific nerves or nerve roots to block pain signals and provide localized pain relief.

In some cases, back surgery may be considered, especially if conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief or if the underlying cause requires surgical intervention. However, it’s important to note that back surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases or situations involving heavy lifting.

Preventing Back Pain

Our doctors advise their patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle to help prevent back pain. To keep the back strong, exercise reasonably, stretch, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, maintain perfect posture, and carry heavy objects appropriately. Here are a few ways to avoid back pain:

  • Maintain Proper Posture: Maintaining proper posture is critical for avoiding back pain. Keep your back straight and your feet flat on the floor when sitting. Use ergonomic chairs with enough lumbar support. When standing, distribute your body weight evenly on both feet to keep your shoulders back and spine erect.
  • Core Strengthening Exercises: Planks and bridges, which target the core muscles, should be addressed since a strong core provides stability for the spine. Add cardiovascular exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling to your routine to improve your fitness and circulation.
  • Lift Correctly: Improper lifting techniques might result in back strain and pain. Avoid twisting and bending at the waist when lifting. Rotate your feet and turn your entire body to shift direction.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight puts extra strain on the back, increasing the risk of back discomfort.
  • Manage Stress: Long-term stress can create muscle strain and increase the likelihood of back pain. Incorporate stress-reduction methods, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, into your daily routine.
  • Use Ergonomic Furniture and Equipment: Ensure your workspace designs promote good posture and decrease back discomfort. Adjustable chairs and workstations, an eye-level computer monitor, and a keyboard and mouse that encourage a neutral wrist position are all advised.
  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Inactivity: Prolonged sitting or inactivity might cause back pain. Take frequent pauses to stand up, stretch, and move around if your job requires sitting for long periods. Consider using a standing desk or a chair with lumbar support.

When it comes to treating chronic back pain, there are various pain treatment options available. Some back pain sufferers may require blood tests or imaging studies to help diagnose the source of their pain. Pain management specialists and back pain specialists can offer a range of treatments to reduce pain and manage chronic low back pain. These may include medication options such as opioid medications or implantable opioid infusion pumps for severe cases.

Non-medication treatments like physical therapy, spinal manipulation, radiofrequency ablation, or other alternative treatments can also be considered. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and to address any underlying neurological disorders or spinal column issues. If the pain persists or worsens, further evaluation and consultation with a specialist may be necessary.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Chiropractic Care:

  • Spinal adjustments and manipulations:
    • Manual manipulation of the spine to improve alignment and restore mobility
    • Techniques such as high-velocity thrusts and spinal mobilization
  • Benefits and risks associated with chiropractic care:
    • Potential benefits include pain relief, improved function, and overall well-being
    • Risks may include soreness, stiffness, and rare but severe complications like nerve damage or stroke

Acupuncture:

  • Insertion of thin needles into specific points:
    • Placement of needles along specific meridians to restore the flow of energy (Qi)
    • Acupuncture points are selected based on the individual’s symptoms and underlying imbalances
  • Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for back pain:
    • Research suggests that acupuncture can provide pain relief and improve function in individuals with chronic back pain
    • Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner

Massage Therapy:

  • Various techniques and their effects on back pain:
    • Swedish massage: Long, gliding strokes to relax muscles and improve circulation
    • Deep tissue massage: Firm pressure targeting deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue to alleviate tension and stiffness
    • Trigger point therapy: Focused pressure on specific trigger points to release muscle knots and alleviate pain
    • Myofascial release: Gentle sustained pressure to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles

Lifestyle Modifications

Ergonomics:

  • Adopting proper posture while sitting, standing, and lifting
  • Using ergonomic furniture and equipment to support the back and maintain proper alignment

Weight Management:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on the back
  • Engaging in regular exercise to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
  • Following a balanced and nutritious diet to support overall health and promote weight management

Stress Reduction Techniques:

  • Practicing mindfulness meditation to calm the mind and relax the body, reducing muscle tension and stress-related back pain
  • Incorporating deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and decrease stress levels, which can contribute to back pain
  • Engaging in yoga and tai chi that focus on gentle movements, stretching, and breathing techniques to promote relaxation, improve flexibility, and reduce back pain.

 Psychological and Emotional Well-being

Stress Management:

  • Identifying and managing stressors that contribute to back pain
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery
  • Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

  • Identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors related to pain
  • Developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills
  • Enhancing overall emotional well-being

Sleep Hygiene:

  • Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment
  • Avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime
  • Practicing relaxation techniques to promote better sleep quality

Schedule an Appointment

Are you struggling with back pain? Our experienced pain management physicians are dedicated to helping you find relief. Take the first step towards managing your chronic headaches by contacting our office to schedule an appointment today.