Most people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is a common cause of absenteeism from work or limitations on work related tasks. Back pain may cause limitations on recreational or leisure activities, making people less physically active. It may also impact everyday tasks such as bending or lifting and make sitting, standing, or sleeping uncomfortable. Back pain can be categorized into acute pain and chronic pain.
Acute Back Pain
Back pain that begins suddenly and lasts for a short time, generally less than three months, is considered acute. While the pain can occur anywhere in the spine, it’s common in the low back (lumbar spine). Although the cause is often identifiable, such as an injury or trauma, sometimes the cause is unknown. There may be a strain, sprain, or soft tissue injury from excessive physical demands on the spine. The pain can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include muscle spasms or limited range of motion. Pain from the low back may be felt in the buttocks or thighs. While uncomfortable for a time, acute back pain will improve over a few days or weeks. It often resolves on its own with minimal treatment.
Chronic Back Pain
Back pain is considered chronic when it persists for more than three months and is not improving. It sometimes improves temporarily with conservative treatments, but the pain returns. Chronic back pain can be caused by mechanical issues with the spine, such as degenerative or herniated discs, or osteoporosis, arthritis, and other medical conditions. Many of these conditions are age-related, with older people being most often affected. Some lifestyle factors, including obesity or sedentary behavior, may also contribute to chronic back pain.
Treatments for Back Pain
Acute pain can be treated with ice for the first 48-72 hours. After that, heat can be used. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can relieve pain. Muscle relaxers can relieve spasms. Some people find massage to be helpful. Prescription pain relievers can be prescribed for severe pain. A physician may refer the patient for physical therapy, which could include ultrasound, electrical stimulation, orthopedic manipulation, or therapeutic exercise.
When pain is chronic, spinal injections of a corticosteroid can relieve pain and inflammation. A pain specialist can perform radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic pain from facet joints and sacroiliac joints. This is typically done in an outpatient setting.
Surgery may be an option if other treatments are not successful. The type of surgery would depend on what is causing the problem. A number of procedures can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which offer many advantages for the patient including faster recovery times.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
Our neurosurgeons have been treating spinal disorders and injuries since 2003. There are five convenient metro locations to meet the needs of our patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist.
