Back Pain

Most cases of back pain are the result of mechanical stress, like a herniated disc. Other causes of back pain include osteoarthritis, muscle strains, and vertebral fractures.

Pain is typically felt in the lower back but may also occur in the upper back.

Other symptoms of back pain include :

• A limited range of motion
• An increase of pain with certain movements
• Pain that travels down the arms or legs

Symptoms of weakness, numbness, tingling, fever, weight loss, or bladder/bowel control issues may indicate a more serious disorder and should get immediate medical attention.

A physician diagnoses pain through the use of a patient’s complete history, a physical examination, and a neurological exam to determine if there is a compressed nerve.

Treatment for pain aims to improve range of motion and relieve pain symptoms. Pain normally settles on its own in a few weeks with traditional treatments.

More aggressive treatments are used when conservative methods do not work.

Conservative treatments

• Acetaminophens
• Muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy
• Yoga

Other treatments

• Steroid injections
• Local anesthetics
• Spinal fusion
• Removal of herniated tissue