Back Pain Specialist

What causes back pain?

Many factors contribute to back pain, which can originate in your spine, muscles, connective tissue, or nerves. An injury or degenerative condition could be the root cause of your pain, or you could have poor posture that stresses the structures of your back. 

Some of the most common causes of back pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated discs
• Muscle strain
• Trigger points
• Compression fractures
• Osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis

Back pain is highly variable. You might have sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache. Your pain might come and go, or it could be continuously present. It could be worse when you move or when you rest. You might also have sciatica symptoms like numbness and tingling in your legs. 

While your risk of back pain increases with age, other factors such as your weight and lifestyle also influence your chances of developing it.

When should I talk to a doctor about back pain?

While almost everyone has a sore back occasionally, the pain often subsides with a couple of days of rest and at-home care. If this isn’t the case for you, especially if your pain gets worse or limits your mobility, you should call Dr. Carden for help. 

How is the cause of back pain diagnosed?

Dr. Carden provides thorough exams and testing to identify the cause of your back pain. He begins by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. He also asks about your lifestyle and any injuries that could be related to your pain. 

Dr. Carden also performs a physical exam, checking for signs of inflammation, deformity, and other potential causes of pain. He might ask you to walk around the office or perform some simple stretches so he can evaluate your condition. Additionally, certain conditions, like herniated discs or nerve compression, intensify when you make specific movements. 

When necessary, Dr. Carden orders lab tests, X-rays, and MRIs to examine the internal structures of your back in more detail. If he suspects nerve damage or compression, he uses electromyography and other nerve conduction tests to pinpoint the location of your damaged nerve. 

How is back pain treated?

After diagnosing the cause of your pain, Dr. Carden creates a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain. Depending on your condition, your pain management program might include:

• Spinal injections
• Trigger point injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Morphine pumps

He might also recommend physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments to complement your pain management treatments. 

If you have back pain, call Dr. Carden today for expert pain management services.