Chronic Back Pain

Almost everyone will experience some form of back pain at least once in their life. It’s one of the most common medical problems in the United States. Back pain comes in many forms and can be caused by a wide range of issues. It is important to understand the symptoms, as they may be caused by a underlying condition. If you are experiencing back discomfort that at-home treatment hasn’t helped, contact our team of pain management specialists at ProMedSPINE today.

Watch Dr. Gravori Discuss Diagnosing Back Discomfort

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Symptoms Of Back Pain

There are many varieties of back discomfort that can be experienced. With a wide array of potential causes and sources, the type, location, severity, and frequency can all vary. Back discomfort can have any of the following characteristics:

  • Pain can be isolated to a certain area of the back, or transfer into other regions
  • The pain can move into the extremities, such as the arms and legs
  • Degree of pain can range from a simple ache to a sharp, excruciating pain
  • May either be chronic, or come on suddenly
  • Can be constant after onset, or arise intermittently

Symptoms of back pain may include:

  • Aching, discomfort, or stiffness anywhere along the spine
  • Soreness in the middle or lower back after long periods of sitting or standing
  • Stabbing pain localized in an area of the back that follows physical activity or heavy lifting
  • Reduced range of motion and flexibility

Back discomfort may be a sign of an underlying condition of the spine, especially when any of the following symptoms are present:

  • Back discomfort that extends down along the back of the leg
  • A tingling sensation, a feeling of numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • The degree of pain increases when bending forward or coughing
  • The pain follows an injury to the back or an accident
  • Nighttime back discomfort that doesn’t subside and interferes with sleep

Causes of Spinal Discomfort

There are many potential sources of back discomfort. It’s important to note that back pain is not a medical condition on its own. Rather, it is usually considered a symptom of a medical problem. Some of these include:

  • Mechanical Problems – These relate to spine movement and condition. Mechanical problems are the most common causes of back pain.
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
  • A breakdown and degradation of the discs between the vertebrae that is commonly associated with normal aging. When these breakdown, they can no longer properly function as cushions and support for the bones in the spine.
  • Herniated Discs – Discs may rupture and push against a nerve. This pressure put on the nerve can be a source of back pain.
  • Muscle and Ligament Strain – Spinal ligaments and back muscles can be strained due to improper or repeated heavy lifting, or twisting of the spine.
  • Diseases and Conditions – Certain medical conditions and diseases can cause back pain.
  • Arthritis – Various forms of arthritis can affect the back. Arthritis can lead to spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord that can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
  • Osteoporosis – While osteoporosis is not a painful condition on its own, it can cause compression fractures of the bones in the spine. These fractures can be the cause of severe back pain.
  • Spine Irregularities – Conditions like scoliosis may lead to back discomfort. Scoliosis causes the spine to curve to the side and may lead to back discomfort later in life
  • Injuries – Certain spine injuries can be the root cause of back discomfort
  • Sprains – Sprains can occur from awkward moving of the spine and improperly lifting. Sprains involve the tearing of the ligaments that provide support for the spine.
  • Fractures – Commonly caused by osteoporosis, fractured vertebrae can be very painful
  • Accidents – Back injuries can be sustained from things like car accidents, falls, and substantial hits taken while playing a sport,

Next, please read about back pain from this article at WebMD.

Treatment for Spinal Pain

Back pain can often go away on its own, even if it takes some time. Home treatment and over-the-counter medications may be all that is needed to alleviate the suffering. Back pain is always first treated with non-invasive methods like exercise, lifestyle changes, medication, and rest.

When back pain does not improve after 3 days, or is a result of an accident or injury, it’s important to seek medical guidance. Only an expert such as those at ProMedSPINE can come up with the best possible treatment protocol required for your specific condition.

Surgery is performed only in severe cases when the underlying condition requires it. Surgical options for these underlying conditions include:

Backaches can be very problematic and detrimental to your quality of life. There is no reason to have to suffer from any form of back discomfort . If you are experiencing any type of back discomfort in Los Angeles, contact our expert spine doctors today. Our team always deems surgery a last resort and will work to develop the best possible treatment option for each individual case.

Our back doctors are known for their level of experience. Each has extensive training with a range of treatment procedures, not just the minimally-invasive types. As surgeons that have performed so many types of procedures for the back, head, and neck, the team at ProMedSPINE’s immense knowledge of the nervous system make them the top options for patients seeking treatment for back discomfort.

Watch a Patient Testimonial for Chronic Back Pain Treatment

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Contact a Los Angeles Spine Surgeon Today!

Our team consists of board-certified neurosurgeons with fellowship training in advanced spine surgery. At ProMedSPINE, we take pride in offering the most sophisticated technology and cutting-edge minimally invasive spine procedures to provide the highest quality of care for our patients. For the best back doctors in Encino, schedule an initial consultation at our center today!

Next learn about neck pain.