Back Pain
At Procura Pain and Spine, we’re no stranger to back pain – and chances are, you aren’t either. 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. So, you aren’t alone if you’re experiencing back pain that interferes with your daily activities. You also have options. Most back pain can successfully be treated without surgery. At Procura Pain and Spine, we’re here to help you experience lasting relief.
Key Indicators of Back Pain
So, what does back pain feel like?
However, seek immediate medical care if you experience the following symptoms:
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowels - urinating or defecating on yourself - if this is a new issue.
- If the back pain starts after a fall or severe injury.
- If you have a fever with your back pain.
Some cases of back pain are more complex than others, and you may be experiencing symptoms we haven’t discussed yet. These can include severe pain that doesn’t go away within a few weeks. Your symptoms may also include numbness and tingling in your feet and legs or unexplained weight loss. Back pain can be extremely difficult to manage without the right support. That’s what Procura Pain & Spine is here for.
Who's Most at Risk?
- Age. Back pain becomes more common as you age. Other age-related conditions can also affect the severity and length of back pain as you age.
- Smoking. Long-term smoking can affect blood flow to the spine, increasing the risk of specific conditions that cause back pain. Additionally, the excessive coughing associated with long-term smoking may contribute to conditions that cause back pain.
- Certain diseases. Arthritis(inflammation around the joints) and specific types of cancer can contribute to back pain.
- Incorrect lifting technique. If you use your back instead of your legs when you lift, this can cause back pain. Frequent heavy lifting can contribute to back pain. Muscle strengthening can help protect the back if you lift heavy objects frequently.
- Inactive lifestyle. On the other hand, when you don’t work out the muscles in both the back and the core enough, you’re more likely to hurt your back.
- Weight. If you're overweight or obese, the excess weight can strain the back.
- Psychological conditions. If you live with depression or anxiety, you may be at greater risk of back pain.
Understanding What Causes Back Pain
- Chronic Lower Back Pain. Back pain that lasts three months or more.
- Nerve Pain (Radiculopathy). Pain due to a pinched nerve in the back.
- Sciatica Pain. Pain in one or both legs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine down into the legs. It can cause pain and tingling in the legs and feet.
- Herniated Discs or Bulging Discs. This occurs when the jelly-like discs between the bones in the spine are pushed out of place. This can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause pain.
- Facet Joint Pain. Facet joints connect the bones in the spine. When the joints are irritated, they can cause pain in the back.
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain. Sacroiliac joint pain occurs when the joints that help connect the lower part of the spine to the pelvis are inflamed. This pain often occurs in the lower back and buttocks.
- Muscle Pain and Spasms. Muscle spasms occur when the back muscles contract on their own. This can be accompanied by severe muscle pain.
- Arthritic Back Pain. Arthritic back pain is caused by wear and tear of the joints in the back.
- Pain After Back Surgery (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome). Chronic back pain in the lower back or legs that is not a part of the healing process after back surgery
If you're experiencing back pain, the good news is that most Americans experience relief with lifestyle adjustments. With our whole-body approach to treating your pain, we'll work with you to effectively treat the cause of your pain without doing more than is necessary.
Your Treatment Options for a Pain-Free Back
- Medication & Coping Techniques - We'll start treating your back pain with a regimen that works for most back pain cases: pain relievers, heat therapy, and light movement. We'll review how to move your body to avoid injury and coping techniques you can put to use in your daily life. These may include therapeutic massage, regular physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and relaxation training.
- Nerve Blocks & Steroid Injections - Nerve blocks prevent nerves from communicating pain signals to the brain. Anesthetic, which numbs the area, can be injected for immediate relief and prevents pain signals from being communicated to the brain. Steroid medications, like cortisone, are used for longer-lasting relief. Your Procura provider will inject medication into or around the nerves where you're experiencing pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation - We insert a needle under the skin into the affected area during a radiofrequency ablation procedure. Radio waves are passed through the needle and precisely damage the nerve in pain. This damage stops pain signals from being sent to the brain and can provide long-term pain relief.
- Regenerative Medicine - Regenerative medicine uses the healing power of the body to relieve pain. Many of the tissues in our body are anti-inflammatory and contain growth factors that can help relieve pain and speed healing.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery - If none of these techniques help your back pain, minimally invasive surgery might be the answer. Surgery can be used to treat pinched nerves, bulging discs, and other causes of back pain that aren't responding to other treatment attempts.
Common Questions about Back Pain
We suggest at least three months of trying non-invasive treatments. Especially with so many options to choose from, you never know when you'll find the right treatment for your back pain that may not be surgery. It's essential to be patient - even though we know how hard that can be, and we are just as excited as you are to see measurable improvements. Other factors to consider in this decision are if your pain becomes more severe and if you develop new symptoms.
Yes! We recommend using ergonomic office equipment if you work in an office setting, standing throughout the day, practicing good posture, and exercising regularly.
This is a personal decision, so here are a few factors to consider. What is your quality of life like now? How might it change if you choose surgery? Is the pain bad enough for you to consider surgery? Have you exhausted all other options? Especially as we age, deciding whether or not to undergo surgery can be complicated. Remember that the choice is yours; only you can determine what's best for you.
Discover Lasting Back Pain Relief Today
If you’re tired of living in pain, it’s time to book a consultation with us at Procura Pain & Spine. Schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons today to find the back pain treatment you’ve been looking for.
schedule an appointment