What causes back pain?
The spine consists of a column of bones or vertebrae held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments separated by shock absorbing disks. When you sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks and irritate joints, these all can lead to back pain. Sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain while simple movements such as bending over to pick up a child can also cause pain. Other factors to consider include arthritis, poor posture, obesity and psychological stress. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots or bone loss.
What if my pain does not respond to conventional treatment?
Back pain that is not relieved by conventional methods of treatment should be assessed by a doctor. At PC Medical Centers, we utilize a variety of treatment options for your lower back pain such as:
- Lumbar epidural steroid injections
- Lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy
- Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
How can I prevent back pain in the future?
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, remaining active, and avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all important ways to avoid back pain. Before doing exercises or any physical activity, it is recommended to warm up and/or stretch.
Some other preventative measures we recommend include maintaining proper posture, wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes and sleeping on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curvature in your spine.
It is always good to remember to lift with your knees, do not twist when lifting, and keep objects close to your body. Patients should also avoid smoking as it impairs blood flow resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (573) 335-9188.