5 Common (and Treatable) Back Pain Causes

Back pain is a pervasive issue that affects millions of Americans every day. Whether it’s due to an acute injury or the pain develops over time, it can be debilitating and seriously limit your quality of life.

The good news? Many cases of back pain stem from treatable conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to finding effective pain relief, and David A. Wiles, MD, and our team can help. We work with people in Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee diagnosing and treating back pain.

In this blog, we’re exploring five common causes of back pain and potential treatment options to help you find relief.

1. Spinal degeneration

Your spine is uniquely susceptible to wear and tear. Degenerative conditions like arthritis and spinal stenosis are leading causes of back pain, especially among older adults. Arthritis causes inflammation and breakdown within the joints of your spine, resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Spinal stenosis occurs when your spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain, numbness, and weakness in your back and legs.

Treatment options for degenerative back pain often include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain and physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility. Depending on your needs, Dr. Wiles may also recommend corticosteroid injections or surgical interventions to relieve pressure on the affected nerves and restore mobility.

2. Herniated discs

Spinal discs have a soft inner core surrounded by a tough outer layer. A herniated disc is an injury that develops when the inner core protrudes through the outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. Causes of herniated discs include age-related wear and tear, improper lifting techniques, and sudden trauma to the spine.

If you have a herniated disc, Dr. Wiles may prescribe rest, activity modification, and pain medication, like NSAIDs or muscle relaxants. Physical therapy exercises can help improve spinal alignment, strengthen the supporting muscles, and alleviate pressure on the affected disc.

Sometimes, severe herniated discs require minimally invasive procedures like cortisone injections or surgical discectomy to relieve severe symptoms and prevent further damage.

3. Pinched nerves

Nerves send signals from your body to your brain. A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, like bones, muscles, or tendons, put pressure on it. This pressure disrupts its normal function and can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness. Pinched nerves can occur anywhere along your spine.

Dr. Wiles often recommends conservative care for pinched nerves, including rest, activity modification, and physical therapy to alleviate pressure and reduce inflammation. If conservative treatments fail to resolve your symptoms, he might discuss the benefits of surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and restore mobility.

4. Sciatica

Sciatica causes radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks into each leg. The most common cause of sciatica is compression or irritation of the nerve roots in your lumbar spine, often due to a herniated disc or bone spur.

Treatment for sciatica depends on the severity of your symptoms and Dr. Wiles typically prescribes a combination of rest, hot or cold therapy, gentle stretching exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications.

Physical therapy can also help strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine and improve your posture, reducing your risk of future sciatica flare-ups. In more severe cases, you could be a candidate for epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

5. Compression fractures

A broken bone sounds serious, and it is — but it’s also surprisingly common. Compression fractures, in particular, are common among older adults with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes your bones weaker and more prone to fracture. Compression fractures in your vertebrae can cause sudden-onset back pain, loss of height, and postural changes.

Treatment for compression fractures often involves rest, bracing, and over-the-counter pain medications. In severe cases, Dr. Wiles may recommend a minimally invasive procedure like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to stabilize the fractured vertebrae and relieve pain.

No matter the cause of your discomfort, you don’t have to live with it. Partner with Dr. Wiles and our team to uncover the cause and take proactive steps to manage their symptoms. Schedule a consultation at 423-459-9800 or request an appointment online now.