Lower Back Pain Specialist in Plano, TX

Roughly 75% – 85% of Americans experience lower back pain at some stage in their lives, making this one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions and a leading cause of disability globally (according to the World Health Organization (WHO)). Although it is most common amongst older folk, this condition can affect all age groups. If your lower back pain is becoming a detrimental development, it is important to have your condition assessed by a health care professional.

Some of the conditions that cause lower back pain include:

Acute injuries – Sprains, strains, and fractures can result from sports injuries, falls, and other sudden impacts. These injuries vary in severity and can result in inflammation, limited mobility, and chronic discomfort.

Sciatica – This condition affects the sciatic nerve and results in discomfort in the lower back and buttocks. The discomfort can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain.

Scoliosis – The abnormal curvature of the spine is known as scoliosis. Sometimes, this condition does not cause significant symptoms, while in other cases, it can lead to discomfort and limited mobility.

Osteoarthritis – This type of arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down. In the spine, this wear and tear can affect the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.

Lumbar spinal stenosis – This condition causes the spinal canal to narrow, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause symptoms such as sciatic pain, numbness in the legs, and loss of sensation in the feet.

If you have had an injury that caused trauma to your back followed with sporadic bouts of pain, it is highly advised to see a doctor for a professional evaluation. The physician would be able to determine the severity of your condition and could curate a personalized treatment plan to assist you on the road of recovery.

Receiving an evaluation is necessary as it allows medical professionals to fully diagnose your condition and possibly its cause. This allows the physicians to provide personalized treatment and aid in preventative measures. Lower back pain accompanied with redness or swelling on the back or spine, unexplained fever and/or weight loss, or numbness of the lower body should be assessed by a doctor.

Severe back pain, defined as pain that impedes your daily activities, such as walking, sitting, or sleeping, indicates that medical attention is required. Lower back pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, despite home care and rest, should also be evaluated by a doctor. It’s important to listen to your body and speak with a specialist if you notice lower back pain.

Some of the treatments that pain doctors provide to manage lower back pain include:

Manual therapy – Various hands-on techniques can be used to mobilize the spine and surrounding tissues to reduce pain, enhance circulation, and improve mobility.

Nerve block injections – These injections can be used to diagnose the root of the pain as well as provide relief by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.

Epidural steroid injections – These injections are delivered into the epidural space of the spine and are often used to treat inflammation caused by spinal conditions such as herniated discs or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Radiofrequency ablation – This minimally invasive procedure can be used to address a variety of conditions, such as joint pain, thyroid nodules, and chronic venous insufficiency in the legs.

Spinal cord stimulation – A device is used to send electrical signals to the spinal cord to interfere with nerve impulses, providing pain relief. Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended when traditional treatment approaches have not provided sufficient relief.

Dr. Robert J. Nocerini, MD, is a board-certified pain management physician who provides comprehensive and specialized care in Plano, Texas. If you need an evaluation or want to discuss the recommended treatment options with a lower back pain specialist, schedule a visit at Northstar Joint and Spine. We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and BEYOND!