Our WellSpine Professional Association Treats Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in adult humans. While the pain can occur anywhere in the spine, low back pain is more often reported than pain in other areas. The pain can have a variety of causes and treatment varies according to the cause and severity of the problem. Here are some basics about back pain from neurosurgeon Francisco Battle of WellSpine Professional Association in Dallas, Texas.

Back Pain Causes

Back pain is typically the result of injuries or trauma, tumors, degeneration or congenital problems. In the older adult, degeneration is often the underlying cause, even if an acute injury seems to be the precipitating factor. As people age, the cartilage discs between the bones of the spine can fray and protrude into the spinal canal, causing pain, numbness, and loss of function. Even young people, however, can suffer an injury that damages the spine or supporting structures. Tumors are less common and the pain does not usually occur until the problem is well advanced. Congenital problems cause stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments or narrow the area through which the spinal cord must pass.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Obesity, poor posture, and body mechanics, smoking and pregnancy are all risk factors for back pain. There may be a genetic component, as back problems do seem more common in some families. While pain is the most obvious symptom, the location, and quality of the pain can help the neurosurgeon make a diagnosis. Pain can occur in the back itself or in other areas such as the arms and legs. If the nerves are irritated or compressed, you may have numbness, tingling or loss of strength and function in arms and legs. In severe cases, bowel and bladder function can be affected.

Treating Back Pain

Conservative therapy is usually the first step in back pain treatment. Short-term rest, heat, ice, cold and anti-inflammatory medication are the usual recommendations. Exercises can help patients build core strength to support the spine. Massage therapy may also be useful. However, if the pain becomes worse or if the patient reports symptoms of nerve impairment, the neurosurgeon may recommend surgery. These procedures vary widely. The least invasive is a procedure called a microdiscectomy – a small incision under general anesthesia to remove all or part of a disc. More complicated procedures could include the removal of bony structures or even bone grafting to stabilize the spine.

Contact Our WellSpine Professional Association Today!

If you are suffering from back pain, please contact WellSpine Professional Association at (214) 819-9600. We have two offices – Dallas and Fort Worth – and serve both those cities and the surrounding regions of Texas. Don’t let back pain get the upper hand in your life when relief is available.