Back pain is one of the most common problems people face, millions worldwide.
Many people in the United States associate back pain with physical injury or strain, but many underlying causes can cause this condition. At New York Back Pain, our team of experts will help our patients understand the causes of their back pain episodes and develop a plan to eliminate the discomfort.
One of the most surprising causes of back pain is bad posture. Whether you sit at a desk all day, drive, or do other sedentary activities, proper spinal alignment is key to preventing and managing lower back pain. Hunching over a computer, slouching in a chair, or carrying heavy bags can strain the back muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae and cause pain and discomfort. To assess and manage severe cases, our specialists may recommend CT scans to visualize nerve roots and employ treatments like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to alleviate the risk of back pain.
Types of Back Pain
Back pain can present itself in many ways, and it’s important to understand the different types of pain to develop a treatment plan. At New York Back Pain, we categorize back pain into several types:
Acute back pain
This type of back pain is sudden and severe, caused by a specific injury or event, such as a sports injury or a sudden movement. It often affects the lumbar spine and can be influenced by risk factors such as body weight. With treatment options including rest and possibly muscle relaxants, acute back pain usually resolves in a few days to a few weeks. While seeking pain relief, it’s important to consider potential side effects of any treatment.
Chronic back pain
Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts more than 3 months. Various factors such as underlying medical conditions, bad posture, or repetitive strain can cause it. Chronic back pain is more difficult to treat as it often involves pain signals from the sciatic nerve, muscle pain, and problems in the blood vessels. It may require home treatments along with professional medical intervention, especially when managing weight gain or weight loss which can impact the condition. This condition often requires a multi-faceted approach to therapies.
Radicular pain
Radicular pain is a type of back pain that radiates down the leg and is caused by a pinched or compressed nerve in the spine. This type of pain can be debilitating as it can cause numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected limb.
Mechanical back pain
Problems with the structure or function of the spine such as muscle strain, ligament sprain, or joint dysfunction cause mechanical back pain. Back support can often alleviate some of the discomfort associated with this condition. Specific movements or activities will exacerbate this type of pain. When experiencing persistent symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who may recommend x-rays to rule out underlying bone problems or other related conditions like a urinary tract infection. In some cases, breathing exercises can be beneficial in managing pain and combating muscle weakness. Additionally, the use of ice packs may provide relief by reducing inflammation.
Inflammatory back pain
Inflammatory back pain is caused by inflammation in the spine and is often associated with conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis. It’s worse in the morning and gets better with movement.
Understanding the type of back pain you have is key to developing a plan of treatment. At New York Back Pain, our team of healthcare professionals will work with you to diagnose the underlying cause of your back pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to get you relief.
When to See a Doctor for Back Pain
Back pain is common and many people try to manage it with over-the-counter meds, rest, and home remedies. However, there are situations where you should see a doctor for back pain. It’s important to seek medical attention if your back pain includes symptoms that could indicate medical problems or an anti-inflammatory condition is necessary. Consulting a professional can also help prevent back pain from worsening, especially for those who frequently experience back pain. At New York Back Pain, we recommend seeing a doctor if:
The pain is severe or debilitating
If your back pain is so bad it’s interfering with your daily activities or is causing significant discomfort, you should see a doctor. Severe back pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that needs to be treated right away.
The pain lasts more than a few days.
Mild back pain may resolve independently in a few days, but pain that lasts more than a week or two needs professional evaluation and treatment.
Other symptoms are present with the pain.
If your back pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness or bowel/bladder dysfunction you should see a doctor as these can be signs of a more serious underlying condition.
You have a history of back injuries or conditions.
If you have a history of back injuries such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis or have been diagnosed with a chronic back condition you should work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.
You are at risk for back pain.
Age, occupation and underlying medical conditions can increase your risk for back pain. If you fall into a high risk category, working with a healthcare provider to create a plan for your back health is a good idea.
At New York Back Pain our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing full service personalized care for people with back pain. We know back pain is a complex and debilitating condition and we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your pain and gets you long term relief.
5 Ways to Manage Back Pain
Back pain is a tough and annoying condition but there are several practical ways to manage and get relief. At New York Back Pain we recommend the following 5 ways to manage back pain:
Sit and stand tall
As mentioned above poor posture is a common cause of back pain. By sitting and standing tall, you can reduce the strain on your back and prevent further injury.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can be a great way to manage back pain. Low impact exercises like walking, swimming or gentle yoga can strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility which can reduce pain and prevent future episodes.
Heat and cold therapy
Applying heat or cold to the area can reduce inflammation and pain. For example a heating pad or warm bath can relax the muscles, an ice pack can reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Stress management techniques
As mentioned above stress and anxiety can cause back pain. Practicing stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension and pain.
Alternative therapy
Several alternative therapies can manage back pain in addition to medical treatment. These may include chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage or physical therapy. At New York Back Pain we work with a network of healthcare providers to offer our patients a full service integrative approach to pain management.
By following these tips you can manage your back pain and improve your overall well being. Remember the key to managing back pain is to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your pain and gets you long term relief.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
For people with chronic back pain physical therapy can be a valuable tool in the road to relief and recovery. At New York Back Pain we work with a team of experienced physical therapists who treat back pain and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Physical therapy for chronic back pain involves a full service approach that addresses multifaceted root causesand helps patients develop ways to manage their symptoms. This may include:
Strengthening exercises
One of the main goals of physical therapy for back pain is to strengthen and flex the muscles that support the spine. By targeting the core, back and hip muscles physical therapists can help patients build the strength and stability to reduce the strain on the back and prevent future episodes of pain.
Postural training
As mentioned above poor posture is a common cause of back pain. Physical therapists can work with patients to identify and correct postural imbalances and teach them how to maintain proper spinal alignment during daily activities.
Manual therapy
Physical therapists may also use hands on techniques like massage, joint mobilization or soft tissue manipulation to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility and pain.
Modalities
In addition to hands on therapy physical therapists may use modalities like heat, cold or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Education and self management strategies
A big part of physical therapy for chronic back pain is educating patients on the underlying causes of their condition and empowering them to take control of their care. Physical therapists can teach patients how to manage pain like proper body mechanics, ergonomic adjustments and stress management techniques.
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Working with a physical therapist can help people with chronic back pain develop a full service treatment plan that gets them long term relief. At New York Back Pain we offer our patients the best physical therapy services to get them moving, pain free and living well.