Back pain can strike at any time, keeping you from work, exercise, and other routine activities. Fortunately, with early intervention and treatment, most back pain responds to conservative care. At Core Rehab LLC, the providers boast years of experience diagnosing and treating back pain. Using a combination of physical therapy and integrative pain management, the team can help you feel better. To make an appointment at the office in Chicago, Illinois, call or schedule online today.
Back pain refers to any stiffness, swelling, or general discomfort that affects any area of the spine between your waist and shoulders. It’s the number one cause of disability worldwide and often occurs due to general wear and tear.
Almost everyone experiences back pain at some time during their lives. Most cases respond to conservative, at-home treatments, but if your symptoms interfere with your daily routine, it’s important to seek treatment.
Common symptoms of back pain include:
In severe cases, back pain might also cause weakness or tingling in one or both legs.
Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:
A herniated disc occurs when a vertebral disc breaks through its protective outer barrier, placing undue pressure on a nerve. Herniated discs most commonly affect people between the ages of 35-55.
Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve is compressed by a bone spur or herniated disc. Over time, that causes lower back pain, weakness, and tingling in the legs and feet.
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that causes your spinal cord to narrow. As the narrowing progresses, it places pressure on your nerves, resulting in pain, mobility issues, and muscle weakness.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 chronic diseases that affect the joints and musculoskeletal system. Some of the most common types of arthritis that affect the back include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis.
Auto injuries occur as a result of a car crash. If you get rear-ended or run into a light pole, the force of the collision can throw vertebrae out of alignment and increase the risk of a sprain or strain.
Work injuries occur on the job. If you work in a physically demanding field like construction or warehousing, you’re more likely to experience a repetitive use injury. To reduce your risk, practice good posture, lift with your legs, and take frequent breaks.
To diagnose back pain, your Core Rehab LLC provider conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms. They have you perform a series of easy exercises to assess your mobility and range of motion. If necessary, they might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out an underlying health problem like arthritis or a herniated disc.
Treatment of back pain depends on the underlying cause and its effects on your quality of life. Core Rehab LLC typically recommends one or more of the following measures of care:
If your pain fails to respond to these treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.
To explore treatment for back pain, make an appointment at Core Rehab LLC by calling the office or scheduling online today.
