Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

Back pain can result from a number of underlying medical conditions or due to an injury. Acute back pain is often due to overuse injuries that result in muscle strains, sprains, and painful spasms.

Chronic back pain — pain that lasts six months or longer — often develops with age or due to degenerative diseases. Examples of conditions that result in chronic back pain include:

• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Abnormal spinal curvature (scoliosis)

You can also experience chronic back pain because of osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak and brittle, which can lead to fractures.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

When you have a back injury or underlying disease, you can develop a variety of symptoms that range from mild to debilitating. In addition to aches and pain, you can also experience issues like:

• Muscle aches
• Stabbing pain
• Radiating pain
• Difficulties walking and sitting

You should schedule a diagnosis at Orthopedics & Wellness when pain lasts for a week or longer and isn’t relieved with rest and over-the-counter medications.

How is back pain diagnosed?

During your evaluation, Dr. Roh and Dr. Ojeyemi discuss your medical history and your usual activities to identify potential causes of your pain. They perform a physical exam of your back, spine, and the muscles that support them.

To get a closer look at the inner structures of your back and spine, you might need to undergo noninvasive imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan. These tests can identify issues like:

• Bone spurs
• Disc damage
• Spinal degeneration

Dr. Ojeyemi and Dr. Roh use this information to create a treatment tailored to your needs.

What treatments are available for back pain?

If rest and medications aren’t enough to reduce pain and improve your quality of life, Dr. Roh could suggest nonsurgical treatments like:

• Nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

For chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, Dr. Ojeyemi can determine if you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Your surgical plan depends on the cause of your pain, with the goal of providing you with long-term relief from pain, improving your range of motion, and enhancing the overall function of your back.

You don’t have to let back pain reduce the quality of your life. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or by calling the Orthopedics & Wellness office nearest you.