Back Pain

What causes back pain?

With 33 bony vertebrae, the spine supports and stabilizes the entire body. Damage to the bony vertebrae or the discs, muscles, nerves, and tissues that support them can increase your risk of injury and cause chronic back pain.

Common causes of back pain include:

Herniated disc

The discs in your spine sit between each vertebra. They cushion and support the spine while providing mild flexibility. Each disc includes a hard shell with a soft center. The center can push through and irritate nearby nerves when cracks form in the shell from injury or wear-and-tear.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes joint inflammation. The cartilage that protects the joints can break down, or the synovial lining inside can swell. Spinal arthritis can cause chronic pain and limit your mobility.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord. Because the spinal cord contains numerous nerves, this compression can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in your back.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain that affects your muscles, joints, and nerves. Many people with fibromyalgia experience chronic back pain.

If you struggle with chronic back pain, Pain Management 360 can help you find relief.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Because the back is a large structure, your provider at Pain Management 360 must conduct several tests to diagnose its pain. After reviewing your medical history, they perform a physical exam. They may evaluate your ability to stand, walk, bend, and stretch to determine where the pain originates.

Next, your provider may order blood work and imaging scans, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What are the treatments for back pain?

Pain Management 360 offers many treatments for back pain, including:

Spinal cord stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator is a device your provider implants near your spine. It releases electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals.

Intrathecal pump

An intrathecal pump is an implantable device that sends pain medication directly into your area of pain.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation

A dorsal root ganglion stimulation is another device your provider implants beneath your skin if you have pain stemming from the dorsal root ganglion bundle of nerves.

MILD® (minimally invasive lumbar decompression)

MILD is a minimally invasive procedure that releases decompressed nerves in the lumbar spine (lower back).

Vivex® procedure

Vivex is a biologics company that uses an allograft, or donor tissue, to supplement degenerated discs.

Intracept® procedure

The Intracept procedure is a form of radiofrequency ablation for patients with vertebrogenic pain (chronic lower back pain).

Call Pain Management 360 today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about back pain.