While almost everyone experiences a short episode of back pain at some point during their lives, around 8% of American adults live with persistent back pain that interferes with their lives. If this sounds all too familiar to you, contact Sujan Gogu, DO, and Stephanie Baker, MD, at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas. The doctors can diagnose the cause of your back pain and offer personalized treatment programs to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. Get carefully tailored treatment for your back pain by calling OrthoCare or scheduling a consultation online today.
Back pain can originate in any of the muscles, bones, connective tissue, or nerves in your back. Your pain could also stem from problems in your hips, legs, knees, or other parts of your body. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:
Your risk of back pain increases if you're overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a physically demanding career or hobby.
A minor injury can cause temporary pain that should subside with a few days of rest and at-home care. If this isn't the case for you, you should make an appointment with the team at OrthoCare.
Severe injuries and other conditions that cause chronic or disabling back pain are often progressive, especially when left untreated. Getting an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment as early as possible can reduce the amount of pain and disruption you experience overall.
The doctors at OrthoCare provide comprehensive exams to diagnose the condition causing your pain. They begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Share any details about injuries or other issues that could contribute to your pain.
Your doctor checks your spine, muscles, and connective tissue for signs of injury and inflammation during your physical exam. They might ask you to walk around the office or perform some stretches so they can see if any particular movements or positions exacerbate your pain.
When necessary, your doctor might order additional tests like X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies to examine the inside of your back in more detail.
Once your doctor understands the root cause of your pain, they create a personalized treatment program to address your condition, relieve your pain, and help you get back to your regular activities. Depending on your needs, your doctor might recommend:
Your doctor might also provide nutritional guidance to help you lose weight or therapy to correct postural abnormalities.
If you have persistent back pain that interferes with your life, call OrthoCare or make an appointment online today.
