Common Causes and Treatment Options for Back Pain
Are you tired of grappling with persistent back pain? While some back pain may improve on its own, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. Consider consulting an interventional pain management specialist for long-lasting relief without resorting to surgery or potentially harmful painkillers. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on some of the most common culprits behind back pain, as well as effective pain management treatment options.
Common Causes of Back Pain
The causes of back pain are diverse, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to more systemic conditions. Poor posture, muscle strain, and injuries are frequent culprits, often linked to everyday activities or occupational hazards. For example, your job may involve heavy lifting, long periods of bending and twisting, or driving for long distances.
Pain may occur due to problems in one or more back structures, including the spine or connective tissue. These causes include:
- Congenital spinal changes present at birth, like scoliosis, a sideways spinal curve.
- Myofascial pain is long-term pain and tightness affecting the muscles supporting the spine and fascia, their thin tissue covering.
- Strains are injuries to back muscles or tendons, brought on by repeated heavy lifting or sudden, awkward movements.
- Disc issues may occur if these flat, round cushions gradually break down or if their soft, interior material ruptures or herniates, pressing on nerves. This usually impacts the back’s lumbar (lower) level and cervical (neck) spine.
- Spondylolisthesis involves a spinal vertebra slipping out of place, putting pressure on a nerve.
Non-spinal disorders can also cause or contribute to back pain, including:
Common Back Pain Treatment Options
In many cases, minor back pain may subside with simple at-home self-care techniques, such as the application of heat or ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if there’s no relief after several weeks, you may need stronger therapies. At The Spine & Sports Health Center, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to provide personalized and effective solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring comprehensive care for long-lasting relief from back pain. Our treatment focuses include:
- Interventional Pain Management: A medical subspecialty that relies on finding the correct diagnosis to dictate the treatment protocol. Interventional pain management specialists use non-surgical treatments, such as steroid injections, facet joint blocks, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, to target pain at the root cause.
- Physical Therapy: Back pain may improve with exercises for posture and flexibility, and back and abdominal muscle strength. You’ll also learn ways to modify movements during pain episodes.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors diagnose and treat back pain without medications or procedures. They strive to naturally improve the nervous system, providing long-term pain relief.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapists manipulate the body’s soft tissues, and they can identify your back pain’s source and safely remove it. You can select from various massage types, including deep tissue, to realign your muscles and connective tissue.
- Sports Medicine: Sports medicine specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to physical activity and exercise. Using medical expertise, we work to enhance performance, promote recovery, and prevent future injuries in athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities, from weekend warriors to professional athletes.
Discover Relief for Back Pain
Back pain can be disruptive, and understanding its causes may lead to relief sooner. For more information, please visit The Spine & Sports Health Center. Schedule an appointment at one of our Hoboken, Jersey City, or Bayonne, NJ locations.
