Back pain is one of the most common medical reasons for people to miss work and visit their doctor. Many factors can cause back pain such as aging, excess weight, lack of exercise, injuries, and diseases. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include but not limited to:
- Bone Spurs
- Bulging Disc
- Degenerated Disc
- Herniated Disc
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
Patients with back pain may experience muscle ache and shooting or stabbing pain. For some people, the pain may radiate into the buttock, down to the leg or the foot. The patient may experience weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg. In rare cases, back pain may cause problems controlling the bowels or bladder.
A comprehensive interview and physical examination will be carried to assess the patient’s pain level, motion ability, and functionality. X-rays or some other imaging scan (MRI or CT scans, Bone scan, and EMG) may be ordered for diagnosing purpose.
Non-surgical Treatment
Non-surgical options include weight loss and exercise, pain medications, massage therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, cortisone injection.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery will be considered only when non-surgical treatments have been exhausted and the patient still has unrelenting pain. The patient who has back pain associated with radiating leg pain or/and muscle weakness may benefit from surgery. Otherwise, surgery usually is reserved for pain related to structural problems, such as narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) or a herniated disk, that hasn’t responded to other therapy.
Suffering from back pain? Call our San Antonio, TX office at (210) 402-1222 to see how we can help!
