Back Pain

Why does my back hurt?

Back pain has many potential causes and can stem from problems with the bones, muscles, connective tissue, or nerves that comprise your back. You might strain a muscle if you overdo it at the gym or sustain a more serious injury. Some of the common causes of back pain include:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease
• Compression fractures
• Neuropathy

Your back pain might also be due to a condition like fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis. Psychiatric issues like depression, anxiety, and extreme stress can also manifest as physical pain. 

When should I talk to a doctor about back pain?

You shouldn’t ignore pain — it’s how your body lets you know that something is wrong. While a minor injury usually subsides with a few days of rest and at-home care, more serious issues need medical attention. 

Back pain often contributes to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Your provider considers your overall health when evaluating back pain and can diagnose and treat related conditions simultaneously.

You should make an appointment with your doctor if your back pain lasts for more than a few days or is so severe that it limits your mobility. Additionally, if you have any symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, make an appointment right away.

How is the cause of back pain diagnosed?

The team provides comprehensive exams to evaluate your back pain and identify the condition causing it. They review your medical history, symptoms, and any lifestyle factors or details about injuries.

If necessary, your doctor orders diagnostic imaging tests, including X-rays and MRIs, to examine your spine and other tissues. They also use electromyography and nerve conduction studies to locate and assess nerve damage or compression that could contribute to your pain.

How do you treat back pain?

The providers take a multidisciplinary approach to treating back pain. In addition to prescribing medication and providing spinal injections, the team also offers referrals to physical therapists and other specialists for additional expert treatment. 

Depending on your condition, the team might recommend nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulation to manage nerve-related back pain. 

Your doctor collaborates with a group of compassionate psychologists and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). They can provide referrals for therapy if your back pain is related to a mental health condition.

If back pain is interfering with your life, call A Ray of Hope: Great Lakes Institute of Neurology and Psychiatry, or make an appointment online today.