What are common causes of back pain?
Every year, millions of people experience back pain. The leading causes of back pain include:
Strains and sprains
Strains and sprains happen when the muscles and ligaments in your back stretch too far and begin to tear. Repeated heavy lifting, sudden movements, and increasing your activity level without proper conditioning are common causes of injuries and muscle spasms in the back.
Disc problems
Spinal discs are pads made of a tough outer cover filled with a gel. Each disc cushions your vertebrae. The gel interior can push through a crack or weak spot in the outer layer, resulting in a herniated or bulging disc. If the herniated disc material presses on a nerve, it can cause pain.
Arthritis
The spine is a common site of osteoarthritis. This degenerative condition causes wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage in a joint.
Arthritis can gradually lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal. Pain is caused when the narrowed canal squeezes the spinal cord.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens your bones and causes them to fracture easily. Osteoporosis allows something as minor as coughing to lead to a painful compression fracture in your vertebrae.
Other causes
At the Center for Neurosurgery Las Vegas, Dr. Glickman treats the full spectrum of disorders that cause back pain, even less-common conditions like spinal tumors, spondylolisthesis, and cauda equina syndrome.
What symptoms accompany back pain?
Back pain symptoms vary based on what kind of underlying problem you have and where it is. Your pain can be dull and aching or sharp and shooting.
Pain can project into nearby areas of your body. Sciatica is radiating pain from the low back into your hip, buttock, or leg. Numbness, tingling, and weakness can also occur. These symptoms are called radiculopathy.
How is back pain diagnosed?
First, Dr. Glickman reviews your medical history and does a physical exam. He might take an X-ray or do a nerve conduction study to evaluate the structures of your spine and measure your nerve function. These tests allow Dr. Glickman to confirm a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.
How is back pain treated?
About 90% of back pain cases get better without surgery. Non-surgical treatments for back pain include:
- Physical therapy
- Back exercises
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Epidural steroid injections
- Alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care
If your condition is severe or your back pain continues despite being treated, Dr. Glickman might recommend surgery. He offers several procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal fusion, and disc replacement.
For expertise in back pain treatment, call the Center for Neurosurgery Las Vegas today, or book an appointment online.
