Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

Back pain can occur at any age and for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

Osteoarthritis
Damaged or deteriorated joint cartilage causes osteoarthritis. Spinal osteoarthritis occurs in the lower back. Over time, this condition can cause spinal stenosis, which is when the spinal column narrows.

Strain
Repeated heavy or incorrect lifting and sudden awkward movements can strain a back muscle or spinal ligament. 

Disc damage
Discs are "cushions" between the vertebrae (small bones in your spine). They contain a soft material, which can bulge, herniate, or rupture, causing the disc wall to press against a nerve.

Lifestyle choices and other health issues can also increase your risk of back pain, such as rarely exercising, over-exercising, smoking, being overweight, and having depression or anxiety. The team at Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy treats back pain and helps you take corrective action to avoid it happening again.

When should you see a doctor about back pain?

You can treat most back pain with self-care and home treatment. However, monitor your condition because it may be a sign of something more serious. Make an appointment with a provider at Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy if you experience the following symptoms:

• Pain that lasts several weeks

• Numbness or tingling in the legs

• Pain that spreads down one or both legs

• Pain accompanied by weight loss

• Pain accompanied by a fever

• Pain after a fall or injury

• Intense pain that's worse at night

Back pain can feel like a stabbing or shooting sensation or a dull ache, and it can reduce your range of motion. Either way, you could cause more harm if you ignore it, so seek medical advice as soon as possible.

What is the treatment for back pain?

The team at Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy uses an advanced diagnosis and treatment method called electromyography (EMG) to treat back pain. An EMG uses electrodes inserted through the skin into the muscle to monitor muscle response, helping to determine the location and extent of a muscle or nerve injury. This process can also treat back pain using the same methods.

Other ways your provider may treat back pain include:

• Heat application

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Light exercise

• Topical pain relief

• Muscle relaxants

• Antidepressants

• Physical therapy

• Cortisone injections

There's no one-size-fits-all back pain treatment. Your provider assesses your condition and creates a treatment program based on your needs. Make an appointment today by calling Sahni Rheumatology & Therapy.