Back Pain

Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, making it difficult to engage in daily activities and hobbies.

Types of Back Pain

Back pain may fall into one of the following categories:

Axial pain refers to pain that is confined to one spot or region. This form of back pain may be described as sharp or dull, intermittent or persistent, or throbbing; it is often caused by muscle strains, facet joints, and annular tears in discs.

Referred pain may be described as dull and achy. This form of back pain moves to other spots and varies in intensity. It may be caused by degenerative disc disease.

Male patient being treated for back pain

Radicular pain may be described as sudden or searing. It follows the path of the spinal nerve as it exits the spinal canal. Radicular pain may be caused by compression and/or inflammation to a spinal nerve root, which is also referred to as sciatica or radiculopathy. This form of back pain may also be caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain may be caused by:

Large muscles around the spine

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Spinal nerves, which exit the spinal canal and travel to the legs and the rest of the body
Facet joints, which connect the vertebrae along the back of the spine
Intervertebral discs, which provide shock absorption for the bones

Back pain is also associated with the following conditions:

Muscle or ligament strain potentially caused by heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement.

Bulging or ruptured discs don’t provide enough cushion between the bones in the spine.

Arthritis can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, resulting in spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis may increase the risk of fractures if bones become porous and brittle.

It can be difficult to identify the underlying cause of back pain. Patients may need to undergo X-ray or MRI scans, or diagnostic injections to identify or confirm the cause of back pain. Treatment will depend on the cause and location of the back.

Treatment Options For Back Pain

At Las Vegas Primary Care, patients experiencing back pain may be treated with joint and soft tissue injections, pain management therapy, and occupational medicine.

Joint and soft tissue injections may help alleviate some forms of back pain. Injections offered at Las Vegas Primary Care include epidural injections and sacroiliac joint injections.

Pain management therapy, such as hot and cold therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, opioids, antidepressants, yoga, tai chi, meditation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and beta-blockers can also help patients manage back pain.

Back pain may negatively interfere with daily life and impair a patient’s ability to perform job duties. In these cases, occupational medicine could help the patient find a way to adjust to the demands of the workplace.

Advanced Treatment For Back Pain

Some patients may need advanced treatment for back pain, such as chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Patients are encouraged to speak to their physician at Las Vegas Primary Care to learn more about obtaining advanced treatment for their injuries.