Back and Spine Specialist
Back Pain

Understanding and Managing Spine Pain:
A Comprehensive Guide

Spine pain is a prevalent issue that prompts people to seek medical assistance and can lead to missed workdays. It stands as a leading cause of global disability. The good news is that various measures can help prevent or alleviate most instances of Spine pain. In the event that prevention falls short, implementing simple home treatments and practicing proper body mechanics often results in healing within a matter of weeks. Surgical intervention is seldom necessary for treating Spine pain.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Man with back pain

Exploring
Back Pain Symptoms

The spectrum of Spine pain ranges from aching muscles to shooting, burning, or stabbing sensations. It can also extend down the leg. Activities such as bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can exacerbate the discomfort.

When to Consult
a Medical Professional

In many cases, Spine pain gradually subsides with self-care and home treatments over the course of a few weeks. However, it’s important to reach out to us if you experience:

  • Prolonged pain exceeding a few weeks.
  • Intense pain that doesn’t improve with rest.
  • Pain radiating down one or both legs, especially if it extends below the knee.
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
  • Spine pain coupled with unexplained weight loss.

In rare instances, Spine pain could indicate a severe medical issue. Seek immediate medical attention if Spine pain is accompanied by:

  • Bowel or bladder problems that are new.
  • The presence of a fever.
  • A history of a fall, blow to the Spine, or another form of injury.

Diagnostic tests that could be employed to pinpoint
the underlying cause of Spine pain include

X-ray:

These images can reveal arthritis or fractures. However, they might not effectively highlight issues with the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, or disks.

MRI or CT Scans:

These scans produce detailed images that can uncover herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissues, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Blood Tests:

These tests can help identify whether infections or other conditions might be contributing to the pain.

Nerve Studies:

Electromyography (EMG) gauges the electrical impulses produced by nerves and how muscles respond to them. This test can confirm nerve pressure due to herniated disks or spinal canal narrowing (spinal stenosis).

Diagnosing
Spine Pain

The pain specialists at Treasure Valley Pain Center will comprehensively examine your Spine, evaluating your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs. They may ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and discuss how the pain impacts your daily activities. These evaluations help determine the source of the pain, your range of movement before the pain becomes prohibitive, and whether muscle spasms are present. Furthermore, they aid in ruling out more serious causes of Spine pain.

woman with spine pain

Contact Us
For any Spine Pain

Understanding the symptoms and undergoing accurate diagnosis is crucial in managing Spine pain effectively and determining the appropriate course of action for treatment. If you’re experiencing persistent Spine pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT