Back Pain
Back Pain Overview
Back pain is one of the most common types of pain. Because the back helps stabilize and move the entire body, back pain can be a serious problem. An early diagnosis ensures effective treatment and pain reduction. Please make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) spine specialist as soon as you experience back pain.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms that may accompany back pain include:
- Difficulty bending over or standing upright
- General muscle fatigue
- Poor posture
- Stiffness
Common back pain causes include:
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strains
- Overuse
- Sports injuries
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat the overwhelming majority of back pain cases. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA shoulder specialist may recommend:
- Activity modification
- A back brace
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Rest and ice
Injections may be offered for fast-acting pain relief in some cases. Surgery may be recommended to treat serious injuries and severe medical conditions that cause back pain. CONA spine specialists are minimally invasive spine surgery experts. They also perform traditional spine surgery when it is the best treatment option.
Diagnosis:
A CONA spine specialist asks important questions, like:
- Did you injure your back?
- Where you involved in an accident?
- When did your symptoms start?
- What symptoms have you experienced?
The specialist carefully listens to the patient’s response. Physical and neurosurgical examinations are performed. Medical imaging studies (x-rays, an MRI and CT scan) are ordered and analyzed. The diagnostic findings allow an accurate diagnosis to be made.