Types and Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is a very common ailment that some 65 million Americans suffer from and is the second most common reason adults visit a doctor (after upper respiratory infection).

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Understanding the different types of back pain and their causes is crucial for effective treatment and management.

The biggest challenge lies in people self-diagnosing their symptoms or simply shouldering the burden — no pun intended — and not seeing a specialist soon enough regarding their pain. This often leads to far worse problems down the road.

Acute back pain refers to a sudden onset of discomfort or pain in the back that typically lasts for a short duration, often a few days to a few weeks. It can be caused by injury, strain, or trauma to the back muscles, ligaments, or discs.

Chronic back pain, on the other hand, persists for a longer period, typically lasting for three months or more. It can be caused by conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or structural issues in the spine.

Read on to learn more about what types of back pain mean, what the common causes are, and where to find treatment for back pain in Riverside County.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. This condition is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc and can occur in any part of the spine.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This narrowing can occur in the neck (cervical stenosis) or lower back (lumbar stenosis) and is often caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis or thickened ligaments.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. This pain can be caused by a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis).

Poor Posture

Bad posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to pain and discomfort. Slouching, standing or sitting for long periods, and improper lifting techniques can contribute to poor posture.

Muscle Strain

Overstretching or tearing of the muscles or ligaments in the back can cause acute or chronic pain. This can happen from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor conditioning of the back muscles.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. This condition occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.

Diagnosis of Back Pain

Physical Examination

The physician in Riverside County will perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. They may also ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Imaging

X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to visualize the structures of the spine and identify any abnormalities, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Nerve Tests

Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies can help evaluate nerve function and identify any nerve damage or compression.

Blood Tests

In some cases, blood tests may be done to check for signs of infection or other systemic conditions that could be causing back pain.

Treatments for Back Pain in Riverside

Back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but there are various treatment options available to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if your back pain is due to a structural issue that requires intervention, surgical options may be considered.

Depending on the cause and severity of your back pain, there may be one or more of the following treatments for lower back pain in Riverside County:

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and improve flexibility.
• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or analgesics may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver steroids directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Improving your posture, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that aggravate your back pain can help prevent further injury.

Surgical Treatments:

• Spinal Fusion: This procedure involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by movement between the affected vertebrae.
• Decompression Surgery: This type of surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves by removing bone or tissue that is compressing them.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: For conditions such as a degenerative or herniated disc in your neck, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed to remove a degenerative or herniated disc in your neck. Microdiscectomy is performed in the lower back to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord.

Where to Find Back Pain Relief in Riverside, CA

While back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, poor posture, muscle strain, and arthritis, understanding the type of back pain you have and its underlying causes is essential for effective treatment.

As the leading spine surgeon and back doctor in Riverside, Dr. Babak Khamsi integrates evidence-based medicine with cutting-edge technological advancements in spinal health to expertly diagnose and treat your back pain. From treating spinal disorders, scoliosis, and spinal fractures to spinal deformities and vertebral compression fractures, Dr. Khamsi can treat back pain causes at the source.