When should I get help for back pain?
If your back pain doesn’t get better after a few days of rest, it’s a good idea to see your Pinnacle Medical Group care provider. If your back pain is severe or is seriously impairing your mobility, and it doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication and rest, see your care provider as soon as possible.
What causes back pain?
Many different things can cause back pain. Some of the most common are:
- Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis
- Herniated disc
- Muscle strain
- Ligament strain
- Bone loss from osteoporosis
Sometimes back pain develops very gradually, as in the case of osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. In other cases, an accident like a slip-and-fall can leave you with sudden pain due to a herniated disc or muscle strain.
Your Pinnacle Medical Group care provider will discuss your symptoms and your medical history with you and then do a physical exam to determine the origin of your back pain. You may also need X-ray imaging to isolate a back pain cause.
How is back pain treated?
Your Pinnacle Medical Group care provider creates a back pain treatment plan based on your needs. You may benefit from one or more of the following treatments.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxants
- Topical creams and gels
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Narcotics (for short-term pain relief)
- Corticosteroid injections (for up to a few months of relief at a time)
There may also be other back pain relief options based on your needs. Your Pinnacle Medical Group care provider will find something that works for you!
How can I reduce the risk of back pain in the future?
Certain things may put you at risk for back pain, and many of these factors are controllable. Some tips for reducing the risk of back pain include:
- Maintain strong core muscles to help support your spine
- Lose extra body weight that puts pressure on your back
- Always lift anything heavy using your leg power, not your back
- Stop smoking to improve blood flow to your back
- Practice good posture
- Use back support when sitting
Your Pinnacle Medical Group care provider may have additional recommendations to help you avoid back pain in the future.
Click the online scheduler or book your appointment for back pain relief by calling Pinnacle Medical Group today.
