Back Pain

What causes back pain?

Back pain includes lower back, upper, middle, and sciatica pain, and can be the result of muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or an injury. Acute pain comes on suddenly and lasts less than six weeks. It may be the result of a fall, heavy lifting, or muscle strain from moving wrong.

Chronic back pain often develops without a specific cause, lasts more than three months, and may indicate the presence of an underlying condition. Some reasons you may have either acute or chronic back pain include:

• Muscle or ligament strain from repeated or awkward movement
  
• Bulging discs in your spine
  
• Ruptured discs in your spine
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Spinal stenosis
  
• Skeletal irregularities like scoliosis
  

Am I at risk for developing back pain?

While anyone can develop back pain as a result of an injury or awkward twisting of the spine, a variety of factors may put you at greater risk, including:

• Age
  
• Sedentary lifestyle/lack of exercise
  
• Excess weight or obesity
  
• Smoking
  
• Weak muscles
  
• Psychological conditions like depression often accompany back pain
  

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Depending on whether your back pain is in your upper, middle, or lower back, symptoms may vary. Typical signs of back pain include muscle aches, shooting or stabbing pains, and limited range of motion. You may have a dull ache that improves with movement or changing positions.

Sciatica pain that comes from a lower back condition may radiate down one leg and into your foot. You may have trouble getting up from a chair or getting into your car. Pain in one of your hips or pelvis is also a common symptom of sciatica pain.

How is back pain treated?

Before treating your pain, Dr. Boatwright and the knowledgeable medical professionals at Palmetto Spine and Pain Care Consultants first take the time to understand your full medical history and perform a physical exam so they can accurately diagnose and treat your back pain. They consider all of your symptoms and identify any underlying conditions so they can recommend effective treatment options like:

• Physical therapy
  
• Core treatment
  
• Injection therapies: epidural, medial branch nerve/facets, radiofrequency lesioning, rhizotomies/ablation
  
• Spinal cord stimulation
  
• Medical management
  

Dr. Boatwright selects the most appropriate combination of treatments so you can get the most effective, long-term pain relief. Call or schedule a consultation online today, to take the first step toward living a pain-free life.