Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons adults miss work. Men and women are equally at risk of developing back pain, which may range in intensity from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

Most cases of back pain are acute, or short-term. Acute back pain lasts only a few days to a few weeks and often resolves with simple self-care methods, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Back pain is subacute if it lasts 4-12 weeks and chronic if it persists longer than 12 weeks.

What causes back pain?

The majority of back pain results from wear-and-tear damage to the structures of your spine, such as the discs that provide cushioning between your back bones (vertebrae). Sometimes, back pain is due to an underlying medical condition, such as osteoporosis.

Dr. Ross and the sports medicine team at Ross Medical Group diagnose and treat all causes of back pain, such as:

• Traumatic injuries, such as a fall or car accident
• Sprains and strains to muscles, tendons, or ligaments
• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Disc degeneration
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis

Sciatica is also a common cause of back pain and occurs when your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your buttocks to your legs, becomes pinched or irritated. With sciatica, you may feel radiating pain that runs down your back to your legs.

In rare cases, back pain may be due to a more serious condition, such as the presence of a cancerous tumor.

How is back pain diagnosed and treated?

To determine the cause of your back pain, Dr. Ross begins with a thorough physical exam and review of your medical history. If necessary, he may also take diagnostic tests, such as an in-office X-ray at Ross Medical Group.

After he diagnoses your condition, Dr. Ross recommends an individualized treatment plan to relieve your back pain and restore normal functioning. Depending on your specific needs, treatment may include:

• On-site physical therapy or osteopathic manipulation
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to do at home
• Pain-relieving oral medications or injections

Physical therapy and osteopathic manipulation are especially beneficial if your back pain is due to sciatica.

If you suffer from back pain, schedule an appointment with the sports medicine team at Ross Medical Group by calling the office or booking online today.