Back Pain

Back Pain

Back pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. It can be caused by various factors such as poor posture, muscle strain, or injury.

In most cases, back pain is not a symptom of a serious condition. However, if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or fever, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

You should seek medical attention for back pain in the following situations:

1. Severe pain: If you experience intense or excruciating pain that makes it difficult to perform daily activities or affects your quality of life.
2. Persistent pain: If the pain worsens or lasts longer than a few days or weeks and does not improve with rest or self-care measures.
3. Radiating pain: If the pain extends down your leg, commonly known as sciatica, and is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. This may indicate nerve compression or a herniated disc.
4. Bowel or bladder dysfunction: If you experience difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder function along with back pain, it could be a sign of a serious condition.
5. Trauma or injury: If your back pain is the result of a fall, accident, or significant injury, seeking medical attention is crucial to rule out fractures or other serious spinal injuries.

What Causes Back Pain?

• Muscle strains or sprains from lifting heavy objects or sudden movements
• Poor posture or prolonged sitting
• Herniated discs, which occur when the cushions between vertebrae rupture or bulge
• Arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation and joint pain
• Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle
• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
• Injury or trauma to the back
• Medical conditions like fibromyalgia or kidney stones

How We Diagnose Back Pain?

Diagnosing the cause of back pain involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here are some common methods we use to diagnose back pain:

• Medical history evaluation and physical examination
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function and muscle activity

Treatment Options for Back Pain

Treatment options for back pain vary depending on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual factors. Here are some common approaches used to manage back pain:

• Self-care and lifestyle modifications:
  • Rest: Short-term rest can help alleviate acute back pain, but prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended.
  • Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat packs or ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use heat therapy for chronic muscle-related pain and cold therapy for acute injuries.
  • Exercise and stretching: Engaging in low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility. Consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist for guidance on appropriate exercises.
  • Posture improvement: Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can help reduce strain on the back. Ergonomic adjustments to workstations or using supportive cushions can also be beneficial.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine and alleviate back pain.
• Medications:
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Muscle relaxants: These medications may be prescribed for short-term use to relieve muscle spasms associated with back pain.
  • Topical treatments: Creams, ointments, or patches containing pain-relieving ingredients like menthol or capsaicin can provide localized relief.
• Physical therapy:
  • Physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and posture, and provide manual therapy techniques, such as massage or spinal manipulation, to relieve pain and restore function.
• Alternative therapies:
  • Acupuncture: Involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and promote healing.
  • Chiropractic care: Involves spinal manipulation and adjustments to improve spinal alignment and relieve pain.
  • Mind-body techniques: Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, potentially benefiting back pain.
• Pain management:
  • Epidural steroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the space around the spinal cord can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in certain conditions, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
  • Nerve blocks: Injecting local anesthetics or medications directly into nerves can temporarily block pain signals and provide relief.
• Surgical options:
  • Surgery may be considered for specific cases, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal deformities. It is typically recommended when conservative treatments have not provided relief or when there is evidence of nerve compression or significant structural issues.

Back pain is a common condition that can have various causes. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good posture, and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing back pain. Early intervention and proper management are key to effectively addressing back pain and improving your overall well-being.

Take control of your back pain and improve your quality of life by scheduling an appointment with our Rheumatology team at SMC Physicians. With a comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment options, and expert guidance, we can help you find relief and manage your back pain effectively. Don’t let back pain hold you back—book your appointment today.

We provide ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis (joint injections) of both steroids and gel injections such as Orthovisc and Synvisc.

We offer a state-of-the art private infusion center at each location, offering the following medications and more:

235 East Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway, NJ 08205

Hours:
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm

108 N. Main Street, Suite # 1, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm

51 Haddonfield Rd, Suite 160, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm

442 Commons Way, Unit D, Toms River, NJ 08755

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-4pm
Thursday: 8:30am-4pm
Friday: 8:30am-4pm