Back Pain

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is a common complaint for many patients. It is actually the second leading cause to see a doctor, just behind cold/flu. Back pain fortunately is self limiting and rarely needs surgery. Unfortunately, there are many causes of back pain. Pain can come from muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.

Causes of Back Pain

Common causes of back pain in athletes include:

• Musculoligamentous strain: It is the most common sports injury caused by injury to the soft tissues around the spine
• Spondylolysis : It is most commonly found in athletes who participate in sports such as gymnastics, pole-vaulting, and football. All these activities require frequent hyperextension of the lumbar spine and can cause a stress fracture in the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis: It is a condition of the spine which occurs when one vertebra is displaced or has slipped forward over the other below it
• Herniated nucleus pulposus: When injury occurs, the central core of the disc is pushed through a tear in the outer hard layer of the disc, causing a bulge and pressing on nearby nerves. If the herniated disc presses on a spinal nerve, it can cause back pain.

Diagnosis of Back Pain

Your physician will diagnose back pain by asking appropriate questions or by taking a history of your problem and examining your spine. A complete examination includes examination of the signs of unusual curves of the spine, a rib hump, a tilted pelvis, and tilting of the shoulders and a test of your sensations. Other diagnostic tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Back Pain

Treatment for back pain is usually non-surgical and includes:

• Anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs are recommended to provide relief from pain.
• Cold packs, heat packs or both, applied to the back will help to ease much of the discomfort and relieve stiffness as well the pain.
• Sleeping with the pillow between the knees while lying on one side or placing the pillow under your knees when lying on your back may help relieve back pain.
• Exercises to strengthen your trunk and back muscles.

These measures help to relieve your back pain, however, in certain conditions the pain may not be resolved and may require surgical treatment. Your physician will decide on the appropriate surgery based on several factors.

• Physical Therapy for Back Pain
• Physical Therapy for Back Pain (Athletes)
• Simple CORE strengthening exercise

You will need the Adobe Reader to view and print these documents.