Our Services / Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues. It refers to stiffness, aching, or general discomfort that affects your spine.

Everyone experiences back pain occasionally, but if your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatments or affect your mobility and quality of life, it’s important to get professional help. Waiting could exacerbate the underlying condition, making your symptoms worse.

When should I see a specialist about back pain?

Make an appointment with the board-certified orthopedic specialists at Coastal Ortho if you experience back pain that:

• Lasts for a few weeks or longer
• Doesn’t improve with rest
• Interferes with your daily routine
• Causes weakness in your legs
• Occurs alongside unexplained weight loss

You should also visit the team at Coastal Ortho if you develop back pain after an accident or injury, like a car crash or a slip and fall.

What causes back pain?

Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Muscle strains
• Ligament strains
• Bulging vertebral discs
• Ruptured vertebral discs
• Arthritis
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis
• Overuse

You might also experience back pain because of osteoporosis, a chronic condition that causes your bones to weaken and break.

How is back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose back pain, your provider at Coastal Ortho reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if it's worse when you sit or lie down. 

Next, your provider has you stand up, sit down, and lift your legs. These activities help them assess your range of motion and muscle strength. They also have you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 and ask you to describe it.

If an exam and discussion of your symptoms don’t provide enough information, your provider might also order laboratory tests, like blood work, or diagnostic imaging like X-rays. Blood work can rule out infection, while X-rays can diagnose fractures or damaged facet joints.

How is back pain treated?

Treatment of back pain depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Typically, the team at Coastal Ortho recommends conservative treatments. For example, you might benefit from:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Topical pain relievers
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Massage
• Activity modification
• Improved posture

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, or your symptoms get worse, the team at Coastal Ortho might recommend spine surgery. The team offers several types of spine surgery, including minimally invasive treatment and traditional open surgery.

You don’t have to live with back pain. To find relief, request a consultation with the team at Coastal Ortho by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.