When should I talk to a doctor about back pain?
Up to 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point. In many cases, your pain subsides on its own after a few days of rest and at-home care. However, if you have back pain that persists for more than a few days or interferes with your mobility, you should make an appointment with Dr. Spann at Westlake Orthopaedics Spine & Sports.
What are the common causes of back pain?
Back pain has a multitude of potential causes. For example, your back pain could be due to:
- Muscle strain
- Muscle spasm
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fractured vertebra
- Spondylolisthesis
- Scoliosis
You have a higher chance of developing back pain if you’re overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a career that requires you to move heavy objects.
How does a doctor diagnose the cause of my back pain?
Dr. Spann provides physical exams and diagnostic imaging studies to identify the injury or condition causing your back pain. He talks to you about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history while examining your spine and back for signs of inflammation, injury, or deformity. He might ask you to perform some stretches so he can assess your pain and range of motion and check for signs of nerve compression.
Dr. Spann might also order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the internal structures of your back for signs of injury or degeneration.
How is back pain treated?
At Westlake Orthopaedics Spine & Sports, Dr. Spann provides customized treatment plans to address the condition causing your pain and reduce your pain and other symptoms. He often begins with nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Spinal injections
- Trigger point injections
- Immobilization
When necessary, Dr. Spann performs expert spine surgery to repair or remove the damaged part of your spine. Depending on your condition, he might suggest:
- Cervical decompression
- Lumbar decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Laminectomy
- Discectomy
- Disc replacement
Whenever possible, Dr. Spann uses innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques to minimize the disruption to your life while correcting your spinal problem.
If you have chronic or debilitating back pain, call Westlake Orthopaedics Spine & Sports or make an appointment online today for expert treatment.
