Spine Pain

What is spine pain?

Most people experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. Oftentimes, spine pain is temporary and resolves on its own. Frequent or persistent spine pain may be a symptom of an underlying problem that needs treatment.

The triple- and quadruple-board-certified providers at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine have a strong reputation for providing exceptional care for all types of spine pain. Their thorough medical evaluations and accurate diagnostics help patients avoid surgery and get back to the activities they love as quickly as possible.

What causes spine pain?

Spine pain can arise from many issues. The most common causes of spine pain treated at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine include:

Kyphosis

Kyphosis occurs when your spine curves forward 50° or more.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often occurs during an adolescent’s growth spurt.

Herniated discs

A herniated disc happens when some of the gel-like material inside a disc pushes through a crack or weak spot in the tough, rubbery exterior.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis causes a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Low back pain

Low back pain affects up to 80% of people at least once throughout life. This pain can range from a dull ache to severe, disabling pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica is nerve pain that radiates from the low back or hip, through the buttock and down the back of the leg.

Sacroiliac joint pain

A common cause of back and hip pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can result from too much or too little movement. SI joint pain usually affects the low back or buttocks and may travel down the leg.

How is spine pain diagnosed and treated?

First, the team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine conducts a comprehensive and individualized evaluation, including a medical exam. They may also take tests, such as:

• X-ray
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Electomyography with nerve conduction studies, also know as an EMG study.

These tests help them confirm a diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan. The team exhausts every possible nonsurgical treatment before recommending surgery. Conservative treatments for spine pain include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain-relieving medications
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Trigger point injections
• SI joint injections
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Alternative therapies like massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture
• Regenerative medicine, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy

If your spine pain persists despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. The team at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine offers same-day minimally invasive procedures, such as spinal cord stimulation and endoscopic discectomy.

For advanced care of spine pain, call the nearest Performance Pain and Sports Medicine office today.