Spine Pain

What Are the Causes of Spine Pain?

The causes of spine pain are usually a result of some components within the back not working as they should. There could be a problem with the spine itself, the muscles surrounding the spine, the intervertebral discs, or the nerves.

Some common causes of spine pain may include the following:

1. Injuries: The cervical and lumbar spine are most likely to suffer from injuries. Injuries can include muscle strains, ligament sprains, or muscle tension or spasms. Traumatic injuries can result in the compression of the spine, or a ruptured or herniated disc.
2. Congenital conditions: Some conditions can develop during the development of the spine. These can include scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, or spina bifida.
3. Degenerative problems: As you get older, the discs, joints, and bones of the spine can wear out and tear. This may include compression fractures. Osteoarthritis is also a common degenerative condition that can cause pain and inflammation.
4. Nerve and spinal cord problems: There are several different conditions that can result in the spinal cord being pinched. These conditions could include spinal nerve compression, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis. Sciatica is another nerve problem involving the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which runs down the buttocks and legs, can also become pinched and cause pain.

Symptoms of Back Pain

You may feel back pain in a specific area or generally throughout most of your back. The pain may also radiate to other areas of your body, such as your legs, buttocks, or abdomen.

Back pain can vary in intensity, from dull to shooting pain. You may experience the following symptoms when dealing with your back pain:

1. Increased pain when lifting or bending
2. Worsening pain when resting, sitting, or standing
3. Back pain that comes and goes
4. Stiffness in your back, primarily upon waking up, that lessens with activity
5. Pain that radiates to other parts of your body

Treatment for Back Pain

The treatment for your back pain will depend on whether you have acute or chronic back pain. Acute low back pain treatments are designed to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. Acute back pain can usually be treated with the aid of the following methods:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Hot or cold packs
• Muscle relaxants
• Gentle stretching exercises

Chronic low back pain relief may require additional steps, depending on the condition and severity of the problem. Some chronic back pain treatments may include the following:

• Medications
• Hot or cold compression
• Physical therapy
• Facet joint block injections
• Surgery

In addition to treating your back pain, there are also some things you can do to prevent it from occurring again in the future. The following list contains some suggestions that can help you avoid experiencing back pain on a regular basis.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Maintain correct posture
3. Strengthen your back muscles
4. Exercise regularly

Who Can Relieve Your Spinal Back Pain?

A trained neurologist who specializes in stabilizing the function of the nerves can help relieve your spinal back pain. It's best to visit a skilled doctor for a proper diagnosis as soon as possible to prevent any permanent damage from occurring.

Don't let back pain reduce the quality of your life. Our team of specialists at NY Neurology Associates is dedicated to providing you with the best quality care possible. We do this by utilizing the latest treatments and techniques available. Our doctors will work with you to create an effective treatment plan to help relieve your chronic pain.

Schedule an appointment at one of our offices in New York today! We can't wait to help you find the best way to relieve your pain!