Back pain affects many people throughout the duration of their lives. Back pain may come and go within a few days or weeks. Other patients may experience persistent back pain for a significant amount of time.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work or seek medical help; it is also the leading cause of disability worldwide, but sometimes it is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires the expertise of a Houston back pain doctor who can accurately pinpoint the root of the cause and treat you appropriately.   Regardless of your back pain’s severity, there is hope with new and innovative treatments. At Texas Intergrative Pain Institute, our Houston back pain doctors offer the following:

 

Alternative Therapy: Alternative pain management therapies can be used independently and with conventional treatments. Some alternative options incorporate proper lifting and walking techniques and exercises to strengthen and stretch your back, leg, and abdominal muscles: massage, ultrasound, diathermy, heat, and traction. People may also benefit from yoga, physical therapy, and acupuncture.

 

Medication Management: Many patients suffering from chronic back pain may not find relief from over-the-counter medicines and may require a prescription for something different. The types of medications that a physician may prescribe are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and opioids. A skilled back pain specialist will decide which approach is best if prescription medication is prescribed. 

 

Injection Therapy: Depending on the location of your back pain, medicated injections may provide you with better relief. Injections target the pain location directly, delivering the medication to the region generating pain. Spinal injections may relieve individuals for months allowing their back the time it needs to recover.

 

Where Do You Experience Back Pain?

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Back pain is not limited to one back or spinal column region. The back can be divided into three regions: upper, middle, and lower. Your upper back (also known as the thoracic spine) provides stability for your body, helping the rib cage protect vital organs such as your heart and lungs while allowing for the movement of breathing - inhaling and exhaling.

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Pain may not be limited to one region and may require various treatments. The most appropriate treatment to relieve your chronic back pain will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of the back pain you are experiencing. Please schedule a consultation with our Houston back doctor to receive adequate treatment to manage or relieve your chronic back pain. The most common cause of back pain is the lumbar spine, the region between your lowest rib and the upper part of your buttocks. Some common reasons for lower back pain are:  Excess weight, lack of exercise, poor posture (e.g., slouching), and improper lifting put unnecessary stress on your spine and make you more prone to lower back pain. Finding the optimal treatment for low back pain usually depends on obtaining a correct clinical diagnosis that identifies the underlying cause of your symptoms.

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What are the symptoms?

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Lower Back Pain : Signs and symptoms of low back pain may be stiffness, tightness, aching, burning, stabbing or shooting pains, pressure, or tingling. The pain may spread to the buttocks, thighs, or knees. People may also experience muscle spasms. The symptoms are more noticeable when bending or arching the back, lifting heavy objects, or sitting or standing for extended periods.

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Middle Back Pain: The middle back (part of the lower thoracic spine) also supports the body’s torso and the organs that sit lower under the rib cage. The lower back (or the lumbar spine) supports the middle and upper back. The network of ligaments and nerves supports flexibility for twisting and bending. Back pain can be widespread as it may radiate to other areas of your body

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Upper Back Pain: Typically, the upper back is resistant to injury. However, due to injury, arthritis, disc problems, or poor posture, you can experience upper back pain, though it’s not as common as neck and lower back pain. This is because these bones do not move as much. People who experience upper back pain describe it as muscle tightness or stiffness., tingling, numbness, or burning.

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Types Of Back Pain

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Acute Pain: This pain lasts for three months and generally will disappear when the underlying cause has been treated or has had time to heal. Unrelieved acute pain, however, may lead to chronic pain problems. Injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments are the most common causes of acute back pain.

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Chronic Back Pain: Pain experienced longer than six months can be characterized as chronic back pain.  The pain can be experienced even after the injury or illness has healed. The pain is ongoing and consistently felt. The nervous system remains active, sending pain signals to the brain.

Chronic back pain can be linked to arthritis, spinal stenosis, disc problems, and never pain. Researchers estimate that about 80% of the population will experience chronic back pain at some point.  Even so, treating back pain can be very frustrating and depressing for the patient as it can affect their emotional and mental health. It can impede their ability to work or participate in social activities, leaving many isolated and depressed. The good news is that there is hope even for the most severe cases.