Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain refers to any muscle aches, stiffness, or general discomfort that affects any part of your spine. Most instances of back pain respond to conservative, at-home treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication, but if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s important to seek professional help.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Symptoms of back pain include:

• Dull ache
• Shooting, stabbing, or burning pain
• Inflammation or swelling
• Pain that radiates into the legs and feet

Some people also experience back pain due to sciatica, a condition that occurs due to compression of the sciatic nerve. 

As back pain worsens, you might also experience difficulty performing routine tasks, like going to work or exercising.

What causes back pain?

Common causes of back pain include:

Muscle or ligament strains

Muscle and ligament strains occur due to repetitive actions like bending, lifting, or reaching. If you work a physically demanding job or live a primarily sedentary lifestyle, you’re more likely to experience a muscle or ligament strain.

Bulging or ruptured discs

Between each of your vertebrae is a gel-like disc that provides padding and support. If the soft material inside the disc bulges or pushes through its outer shell, it can place undue pressure on a nerve, resulting in intense back pain.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the bones and joints. One of the most common types of arthritis that affects the back is osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis).

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that causes the space around your spine to narrow. Sometimes, spinal stenosis occurs due to arthritis; other times, it’s the result of a tumor or a back or neck injury.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that causes your bones to become porous and brittle. Anyone can develop osteoporosis, but it’s especially common in post-menopausal women.

How is back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose back pain, the team at Gulf Coast Healthcare, asks about your symptoms and has you rate your pain on a scale of one to 10. Afterward, they conduct a physical exam and assess your ability to walk, stand, sit, and lift your legs.

If your provider suspects your pain is due to an underlying health problem, like a herniated disc or a fracture, they might also order tests like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. 

How is back pain treated?

At Gulf Coast Healthcare, the team uses integrative, non or minimally invasive measures to treat back pain. Once your provider makes a diagnosis, they might recommend:

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) by Medical Wave 
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Trigger point injections
• Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy
• Therapeutic massage
• Rehabilitation and exercise
• Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression therapy uses a computer-controlled table and a harness to gently stretch your spine. It’s an easy and effective way to treat various pain-causing problems like herniated discs, worn spinal joints, and sciatica.

To receive treatment for back pain, make an appointment at Gulf Coast Healthcare, by calling the office today or clicking the online booking tool.