Back Pain

According to the World Health Organization, more than 619 million people suffer from low back pain worldwide, which is why the 25 highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas offer cutting-edge treatments like physical therapy and injections for back pain. With locations in Rockwall, Wylie, Terrell, and Forney, Texas, the team specializes in various orthopaedic problems, including those involving the back and spine. To make an appointment with one of the specialists today, call one of the conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation on the website.

What causes back pain?

Back pain is a prevalent ailment that affects various aspects of the spine. Low back pain is highly prevalent in both degenerative conditions and injuries. A few of the leading causes of back pain include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Strains and sprains
• Spondylolisthesis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Sciatica

Anyone, including kids, teens, and adults, can suffer from back pain. It can come on suddenly from an injury or develop slowly over time from degenerative conditions.

In many cases, back pain stems from problems with the structures that are in or surround your spine. However, it can also radiate from other issues, such as a kidney stone or endometriosis.

What symptoms relate to back pain?

Back pain symptoms vary, depending on what’s causing the problem. It is usually mild, moderate, or severe and can significantly interrupt daily living. 

Pain is the most common symptom related to back problems. The pain may radiate down the legs or stay primarily in the back. It may feel like a dull ache or a sharp stabbing feeling. Other symptoms related to back pain include:

• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion
• Trouble standing or sitting
• Tenderness

If the problem causing back pain is severe, it may also lead to losing bowel and bladder control, which is an emergency.

How is back pain treated?

Treatment for back pain depends on the cause of the problem and the severity of the pain. The team at Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas carefully evaluates each patient to create a customized treatment plan specific to their needs.

The team offers both surgical and nonsurgical options for long-term back pain relief. The most common nonsurgical options include:

• Ice and heat
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections
• Activity modification

However, if the patient’s condition is severe and nonsurgical methods haven’t provided significant relief, the team may recommend spine surgery to fix the problem.

There are various forms of spine surgery, and the team chooses which is best based on the root cause of the problem and the related symptoms.

Call the Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today at one of the four convenient locations in Texas for an appointment, or request a consultation on the website.