Everyone experiences back pain once in a while, which often subsides after a few days of rest. However, if back pain is interfering with the quality of your life, Dr. Adam Lewis Flowood can restore your optimal health with noninvasive treatment approaches.
What you didn’t know about back pain
Back pain is a common but overlooked reason many people miss school or work or visit a doctor, and it tops the list of medical conditions leading to disability. Mild pain and discomfort due to fatigue or poor posture are normal and should resolve with over-the-counter pain relievers and adequate rest. However, if the pain worsens or spreads to other parts, inform your doctor immediately for a comprehensive physical exam. Fortunately, most back pain episodes respond to conservative treatment approaches, and only severe back conditions require surgical intervention.
Factors contributing to back pain
Back pain can be due to several reasons. For instance, intense physical activity can exert extreme pressure on your back muscles. Also, twisting, pulling, and lifting heavy objects can damage your back’s connective tissues, spinal discs, and muscles. But in case you are wondering if inactivity is the better option, lack of exercise may cause even worse effects.
Traumas such as spinal cord damage and fractures due to road or work accidents can also result in chronic or acute back pain. Long-term spinal disorders like spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, and herniated discs can also contribute to chronic back pain. Management of these medical conditions can significantly minimize your pain and discomfort.
When to consult your doctor about back pain
Back pain can manifest as muscle aching or a shooting or burning sensation. The pain may travel down your leg or deteriorate with walking, bending, standing, or twisting. The degree of your pain depends on the underlying cause. You may also experience difficulty walking and muscle weakness, making it challenging to complete your daily tasks.
If the pain doesn’t improve with pain relievers or rest and is accompanied by unintended weight loss, you may need to see a medical professional. Contact Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic for a comprehensive medical exam if your back pain is due to an accident or causes bladder or bowel problems.
Treatment approaches for back pain
Back pain is a complex medical condition; only a doctor can help you determine its root cause. During your appointment at Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic, the team may examine your back and assess your range of motion. They may also perform additional tests like X-rays and CT scan to obtain an accurate diagnosis. After diagnosis, your doctor prepares a treatment plan to restore your overall health.
Your physician may recommend muscle relaxants, narcotics, antidepressants, and pain relievers to improve the pain. The team may teach you several exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve posture and flexibility. They may recommend surgery if the unrelenting pain is due to structural issues like spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.
If you are struggling with unrelenting back pain, call the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic office or schedule an appointment online for comprehensive care.