What is back pain?
Back pain is a common pain condition and the leading cause of disability throughout the world. Back pain affects people of all ages and may occur from a sports injury or car accident or develop over time. The pain may be dull and achy or sharp and severe. The pain may last a few days or a few weeks or continue for months or even years. Whether your back pain is acute or chronic, the team at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute can help. They utilize cutting-edge diagnostic tools to find the underlying cause of your back pain so they can develop an effective plan to get you long-term relief.
What causes back pain?
Back pain most often develops from problems that affect one or more of the structures that make up your back, which may include the muscles, ligaments, tendons, spine, intervertebral discs, or nerves. Common causes of back pain include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar radiculopathy (nerve root compression)
- Sciatica
- Spinal deformity
Spine and back tumors may also cause back pain.
How is back pain diagnosed?
When you visit Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute with concerns about back pain, the team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to find the source of your discomfort. They ask detailed questions about your symptoms, including the type of pain you feel, when it started, and the activities that make it worse or better. They closely examine your back and spine and perform imaging tests to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis. For your convenience, Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute has an on-site MRI.
How is back pain treated?
The Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute team customizes your back pain treatment plan based on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and your overall health. The multi-specialty practice includes orthopedic physicians, neurosurgeons, interventional pain management physicians, and physical therapists. The team works together to design a plan that best fits your needs. Back pain treatment options include:
- Activity modification
- On-site physical therapy, including manual therapy techniques
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Bracing
- Posture therapy
- Trigger point dry needling
- Cupping
- Epidural injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Kyphoplasty
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute also offers surgical options for back pain, including microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, and microdecompression. The team uses minimally invasive surgery when possible to limit scarring, pain, and recovery time. When back pain affects your quality of life, it’s time to see the experts at Tier 1 Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Institute. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
