Back Pain

Back pain can manifest itself in many different ways, including:

• Muscle aches
• Sudden stabbing sensations
• Burning down the leg
• Numbness and tingling in the legs
• Pain that gets worse with lifting or standing for extended periods
• Pain that gets better while lying down

The delicate nature of the spine and its central function make your back prone to various injuries and degenerative conditions. These spine conditions can cause back pain, among other symptoms.

• Herniated disc: The discs that cushion and separate your vertebral bones have a tough outer layer with a soft center. When these discs rupture, known as a herniated disc, the soft core leaks out of the outer casing. This puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing discomfort.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: This condition causes damage to the joint connecting your pelvis and spine.
• Spinal cord injuries
• Arthritis: A result of wear and tear and age, arthritis causes your bones to rub together after they’ve lost their cushioning, causing discomfort
• Scoliosis: If not treated properly, scoliosis can lead to back pain later in life
• Myofascial pain syndrome: This chronic condition causes muscle tightness in a specific area
• Stenosis: When the space inside the spinal canal is too small, pressure is put on the spinal cord and nerves

Dealing with back pain can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it or how to treat it. Dr. Gottlieb can provide you with a proper diagnosis so you can start treatment for back pain.

A diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical exam, a review of your medical history, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. This information can help our team determine the underlying cause of your back pain, and whether it’s related to a muscle strain or injury, joint or disc problem, or a more serious condition. Once you have a clear diagnosis, Dr. Gottlieb and our team will work with you to explore a range of back pain treatments.

Before looking into treatment options, it’s important to determine if the cause of your pain is something that can be easily addressed. For example, poor posture or an uncomfortable position may be causing your back pain, rather than a serious medical condition. Dr. Gottlieb always recommends starting back pain treatment with conservative options, including:

• Rest
• Exercises for your neck and shoulders
• Physical therapy
• Weight loss, if necessary
• Smoking cessation, if required
• Alternating ice and heat
• Chiropractic alignment
• Posture improvement
• Therapeutic massage
• Anti-inflammatory medicine

For back pain that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatment, there may be a further structural problem in the spine. In this case, surgery may be needed.

If you are experiencing back pain that does not improve with at-home remedies or if it worsens, there may be an issue with your spine. If your back pain is accompanied by symptoms like shooting pain, numbness, or weakness, this could be an indicator of a spine problem. If you suspect there is something wrong with your spine, you should consult a doctor.

When scheduling an appointment for back pain, you can start by consulting with your general practitioner or family doctor. Depending on the severity and nature of your spine condition, you may be referred to a spine specialist. A board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon like Dr. Gottlieb will be able to provide an expert diagnosis and guide you in relieving your back pain.

Dr. Gottlieb has extensive experience in diagnosing various types of chronic back pain. At our advanced back pain treatment center, he can provide a definitive diagnosis to initiate your treatment. Learn effective strategies on how to relieve back pain with Dr. Gottlieb’s professional assistance.

Dr. Gottlieb will typically begin back train treatment with conservative techniques, such as:

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories
• Steroid injections
• Topical creams
• Physical therapy

For back pain that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatment, there may be a further structural problem in the spine. In this case, surgery may be needed.

Surgery is not always necessary to find back pain relief. There are numerous non-surgical treatments available that can effectively reduce pain and restore functionality in the back. However, if you’ve tried various treatments without finding the relief you need, surgery may be considered by your surgeon.

While spine surgery is a major decision, it can be an effective method for treating back pain and preventing future issues. Dr. Gottlieb can help determine if surgery is the right option for you, based on the severity of your back pain and its underlying cause. It’s crucial to explore all potential approaches to address back pain, including surgery, to find the most suitable solution for you.