All too often we hear from persons who have suffered, sometimes for months or years, with chronic or debilitating back pain. Sometimes their pain is the result of a trauma; other times, the cause is conditions that affect the spine or muscles and joints supporting the spine. Often, people delay seeking medical treatment because they fear surgery. It is true that some people require surgery to address their pain, in many cases, persons can achieve total or near-total pain relief with new non-surgical treatments.
Whatever your situation, The Spine Center is here to help. We understand that no matter what your level of pain, you want to return to being pain-free with as little medical intervention as possible. We offer expert diagnostics to determine the exact nature of your condition, and we have specialists to resolve your pain.
It is important to remember that back pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis, of a medical condition and may be caused by problems that include:
- Mechanical problems with the spine. Conditions include intervertebral disc degeneration, spasms, muscle tension and herniated/ruptured discs.
- Injuries such as sprains and fractures may be caused by accidents or by twisting or lifting improperly.
- Diseases such as scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and arthritis. In addition, pregnancy, endometriosis, kidney stones and fibromyalgia can cause back pain.
- Although uncommon, infections, such as osteomyelitis or discitis, and tumors can cause back pain.
A thorough examination combined, as needed, with tests such as x-rays, MRI and CT scans, can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your back pain.