Why Does My Back Hurt?
Your back is an intricate structure of bones (vertebrae), muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. Cartilage-like pads called discs to rest in between each segment of stacked vertebrae to provide cushioning and flexibility.
Damage or disease in any part of this complex system can cause back pain. However, in some cases, back pain persists without an obvious cause.
What Conditions Cause Back Pain?
Many people hurt their backs by falling or heavy lifting. This is called acute back pain because it comes on suddenly and resolves within six weeks.
Back pain that persists for three months or longer is considered chronic. Common causes of chronic back pain include:
- Muscle or ligament strains
- Bulging or ruptured discs
- Arthritis of the spine
- Skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis
- Compression fractures from osteoporosis
Conditions like arthritis may cause the space around your spinal cord to become narrow. This painful condition is called spinal stenosis.
When Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain?
Back pain is among the most common reasons people see the doctor and is a leading cause of disability across the globe. Most of the time, acute back pain goes away with home treatment such as rest and over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen.
You should schedule an appointment at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates if your back pain doesn’t improve within a few weeks of home care.
How Do You Diagnose and Treat Back Pain?
First, your expert provider at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates examines your back and reviews your symptoms and medical history. To diagnose the root cause of your back pain, they may take tests such as:
- X-ray
- MRI
- Blood tests
- Nerve studies
Then, they create a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your particular needs. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, treatment for back pain may include:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Physical therapy exercises
- Steroid injections
Severe back pain that doesn’t improve with treatment may require surgery. Most of the time, the team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates performs surgery to treat back pain caused by structural problems such as a herniated disc.
To find relief from back pain and return to the activities you love, call Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates or schedule an appointment online today.
