Common Questions to Ask Your Pain Specialist About Chronic Back Pain Treatment

Chronic back pain is a broad category that can present in different areas of the back and stem from a variety of causes. Generally speaking, chronic pain is considered pain that has not gone away within three months of its onset.

Chronic back pain can present as dull, aching, or shooting pain that may move to different parts of the body. It can occur intermittently or constantly and range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. The pain may come from bones, nerves, muscles, organs, or more.

It may stem from an underlying condition or be the result of a traumatic injury. In some cases, chronic back pain can stem from overuse or repetitive motions, such as repeated heavy lifting, twisting, and turning. At other times, it can result from underuse, especially in those who spend long periods sitting or lead sedentary lifestyles. Chronic back pain can affect the lumbar region, the cervical region, the thoracic region, or other areas.

A wide range of individuals are at risk for the onset of back pain, as it can affect just about anybody. However, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of its onset.

In some cases, back pain can develop without a clear cause, while in others, it may be associated with muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, or underlying conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis. Injury, health, and lifestyle factors also play significant roles.

Aging is a common risk factor, as many causes of back pain become more likely to develop starting between the ages of 30 and 40. A lack of exercise, with unused and weak muscles around the abdominal muscles as well as the back, can lead to back pain. Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk due to the extra stress on the back.

Workplace considerations, such as jobs involving heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or long periods of sitting, also contribute to the risk. Poor health and lifestyle choices, including smoking, can exacerbate the likelihood of developing back pain. Mental stress and psychological conditions like depression and anxiety are sometimes associated with an increased risk of chronic back pain.

When it comes to finding relief for chronic or severe back pain, visiting pain management specialists like those at Northstar Joint and Spine is often the best course of action. Chronic pain can be complex and difficult to identify, requiring advanced treatment interventions. Back pain specialists thoroughly review each patient’s pain presentation in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and work to create a customized treatment plan tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual.

This comprehensive approach considers many potential chronic pain sources and utilizes a range of interventional pain treatments to avoid surgical intervention if possible. Pain management specialists use a multidisciplinary approach to create personalized treatment plans. This approach helps individuals manage their pain effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

There are various non-surgical options for chronic back pain treatment offered by specialists. The best-suited options for each individual will vary depending on their unique circumstances. Northstar Joint and Spine provides a wide range of cutting-edge treatment interventions to address chronic back pain without resorting to surgery.

These treatments can include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, facet injections, sacroiliac injections, and more, all aimed at helping individuals achieve swift and lasting pain relief. By helping patients achieve significant pain relief, specialists can also facilitate the implementation of health and lifestyle changes that are necessary for improved health outcomes.

This can include physical rehabilitation, physical therapies, and exercises that further ease back pain and lead to compounding positive results. Each patient receives a custom treatment plan tailored to their specific circumstances.

Chronic back pain treatment is available at Northstar Joint and Spine. Visit us online now to learn more about our services and our special offers that will help you spend less and feel better! We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and BEYOND!