In some cases, such as a fall, you may experience acute back pain that lasts for a few days before the symptoms resolve. Underlying medical conditions like herniated discs may cause chronic back pain that needs medical intervention.
Back pain can be the result of improper movements, a fall, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly. You may also develop chronic back pain due to underlying medical issues, such as:
Conditions like scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can also result in chronic back pain, especially as you age.
Dr. Reeves performs a physical examination, checking your back for areas of tenderness. He may also ask you to move in certain ways to determine your range of motion and muscle flexibility in your back.
Dr. Reeves may recommend imaging tests such as an MRI or X-rays to provide a closer look at the structure in your back. He might also order an electromyography (EMG), which uses electrical impulses from your nerves to identify areas of nerve compression due to herniated discs or a condition known as spinal stenosis, a narrowing of your spinal canal.
Initially, Dr. Reeves may recommend physical therapy and at-home strength-training exercises to relieve pain in your back.
If exercise and physical therapy aren’t enough to improve functionality in your back, Dr. Reeves may recommend epidural steroid injections.
If you have compressed nerves from a herniated or ruptured disc or spinal stenosis, Dr. Reeves may recommend surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques to improve your recovery time and ensure long-term pain relief.