Back Pain

What causes back pain?

Back pain is classified into two primary categories, acute and chronic. Acute back pain typically lasts up to six weeks and results from overuse injuries or a fall. Chronic back pain generally lasts longer than six months and may be due to issues like:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle strains
• Ruptured discs

You may also have abnormalities in your skeletal system from birth or as you grow older that cause persistent pain and result in limited mobility.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Depending on the reason for your pain or the location of your injury, you may experience symptoms like:

• Shooting or stabbing pain
• Persistent back muscle aches
• Pain that radiates into your legs
• Pain that worsens with certain movements

You may also find your back pain worsens when you stand up or lie down.

In some cases, back pain may also cause additional complications, such as difficulties controlling your bowel or bladder, increased risk of injury from falls, or inability to perform your job or other duties.

What pain relief options are available for back pain?

If chronic back pain interferes with your life, and medications or physical therapy isn’t working, you may benefit from the pain management options at Pain Medicine Consultants to avoid surgery.

Pain relief treatment options include:

• Acupuncture
• Nerve blocks
• Steroid injections
• Stem cell therapy
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Trigger point injections

Your options for back pain relief depend on the cause of your pain and your medical history. Your Pain Medicine Consultants provider creates a customized care plan to address your specific needs.

The goal of treatment is to alleviate your pain so you can resume as many of your usual activities as possible, as well as make you more tolerant of other treatments, such as physical therapy and exercise, that can reduce pain.

How can acupuncture relieve back pain?

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that uses fine needles to stimulate increased blood flow and the body’s natural healing ability.

Your Pain Medicine Consultants provider inserts thin needles into different areas of your body. They may stimulate these needles during your treatment, using manual manipulation, low currents of electricity, or heat energy to increase the benefits of treatment.

Treatment is painless and can be highly effective in addressing the root cause of your pain.

Learn more about acupuncture and other treatment options for back pain by calling the Pain Medicine Consultants location nearest you or use the convenient online booking feature to schedule an appointment today.