Back pain is pain that’s present due to involvement of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints in the back. Patients can present with mechanical dysfunction due to
- Herniated discs- bulging out of the soft inter-vertebral discs between vertebra
- Inter-vertebral disc degeneration- damage which is a part of normal aging process of the disc
- Facet joint degeneration- small joints found between two vertebral bones
- Sciatica- compression of the nerves in lower back
- Back spasms/ Muscle spasms
Patients can also experience trauma to the back causing sprains/strains and fractures. Many medical conditions can also affect the back
- Scoliosis- curving of spine from side to side
- Spondylolisthesis- anterior or posterior displacement of vertebra
- Ankylosing Spondylitis- inflammatory arthritis resulting in fusion of vertebra
- Spinal Stenosis- abnormal narrowing of spinal canal
- Osteoporosis- weakened bones that can fracture easily
- Fibromyalgia- chronic widespread pain and increased responses to pressure
- Arthritis : osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
The combination of latest techniques utilizing pain medication, fluoroscopic guidance for injections, radio-frequency for nerve ablation, the use of custom braces, neuro-diagnostic testing for nerve conduction studies; physical/occupational therapy and ultrasound studies are used to provide the diagnosis and best treatment option for each patient.