What causes back pain?
Back pain can be the result of an injury, a disease, or normal wear-and-tear. It might stem from damage to your muscles, ligaments, or parts of your spine, like discs.
Common causes of back pain are:
- Strained muscles
- Strained ligaments
- Bulging discs
- Ruptured discs
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis (abnormal spine curvature)
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney problems
When you arrive at Houston Pain Specialists for treatment, your physician evaluates your medical history, lifestyle, and posture to find the cause of your discomfort. Some back pain isn’t linked to a specific condition, but instead to improper posture or movement.
What are my treatment options for back pain?
If your back pain started after an injury, comes with a fever, or doesn’t go away with time, you should seek treatment at Houston Pain Specialists. When you come in for treatment, the team creates a treatment plan for you. It may begin with an X-ray or other medical imaging to pinpoint the cause.
Your back pain treatment plan may include:
- Pain-relief medications
- Physical therapy or exercise guidance
- Epidural steroid injections
- Surgery
Surgery is typically recommended only as a last resort when no other treatments have brought relief from your back pain. If your back pain stems from another condition, getting treatments specific to that condition can help with relief, too.
How can I reduce my back pain outside of treatment?
There are several ways you can attempt to reduce your back pain without attending Houston Pain Specialists for further treatment. You can:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Watch your posture
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Get plenty of exercise to build your muscle strength
- Stop smoking, which improves your blood flow
- Use chairs with adequate lower back support
A lot of back pain occurs with age, but there are many things you can do to manage it. If your back pain persists, don’t hesitate to return to Houston Pain Specialists for additional treatment.
Rather than let your back pain take over your life and dictate what you can and can’t do, call Houston Pain Specialists or book an appointment online for expert treatment and management.
