Back Pain Q & A

What is back pain?

Back pain might result from a sports injury, car accident, disease, falling down, or other trauma. It’s a feeling of discomfort that can linger long-term or come and go. Back pain might subside over time or get worse. Seeking treatment at Sunstate Medical Associates offers you relief and a better quality of life.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Back pain can feel like shooting or stabbing pain, dull aching pain, muscle aches, or radiating pain down your leg. Movement can make back pain worse. If the discomfort doesn’t go away on its own, see the Sunstate Medical Associates team for an evaluation.

What causes back pain?

Numerous injuries and diseases can contribute to back pain, including:

• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Muscle strains
• Ligament strains
• Bulging discs
• Muscle spasms

Finding the root cause of back pain helps your primary care doctor develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

What are the risk factors for back pain?

Anyone can experience back pain but certain factors increase your chance of developing it. Examples include:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Older age
• Excess weight
• Smoking
• Improper lifting techniques
• Depression
• Anxiety

While you can’t eliminate back pain risk factors entirely, reduce your risk by getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using good posture, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.

How is back pain diagnosed?

To figure out what’s causing back pain, your primary care specialist asks about your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and might have you move into various positions to evaluate pain and tenderness. Your doctor can use blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, nerve tests, and bone scans to make a final diagnosis.

How is back pain treated?

The team of specialists at Sunstate Medical Associates may recommend the following treatments to relieve back discomfort:

Conservative treatments

Conservative back pain treatments include resting your back, applying heat or ice, wearing a brace, and physical therapy. Your doctor shows you which stretches and strength exercises can offer relief. Therapeutic massage or chiropractic care can help, too.

Medications/injections

Anti-inflammatory medications and injections can reduce inflammation associated with certain diseases and injuries.

Surgical procedures

If you have a severe back injury, or conservative treatments and anti-inflammatory medications haven’t worked, your doctor can refer you to a highly skilled specialist in your area.

Don’t let back pain diminish your quality of life and mobility. Schedule an appointment with Sunstate Medical Associates over the phone or online today for relief.