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Chronic back pain can often be a product of aging/wear and tear, but it can also be caused by trauma, an injury, or other factors. The most common causes for chronic back pain are:
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- Arthritis of the spine
- Spinal stenosis
- Disc problems
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Mechanical issues
- Soft-tissue injuries
If painful symptoms are detected early on, back pain and nerve inflammation is more likely to be treated without the need for invasive back surgery.
How neuropathic issues develop
The most common cause of neuropathic issues are nerves that become dysfunctional or damaged due to trauma, which may cause the nerves to become hypersensitive to pain. Even after the initial injury has completely healed, the nerves can still send ‘false alarms’ in the form of pain signals to the brain.
An injury occurring in the central or peripheral nervous system may lead to neuropathy, also known as neuropathic pain. It’s a chronic condition that requires prompt treatment.
Pinched nerve pain
Pinched nerve pain occurs when the surrounding tissues put too much pressure on a nerve. Tendons, muscles, cartilage and bones can disrupt the function of a nerve. When this happens, it causes weakness, stiffness, numbness, tingling and severe pain.
Pinched nerve symptoms include:
- Decreased sensation or total numbness in the area of the nerve
- Burning, aching or sharp pain, radiating outward
- A tingling sensation in the affected nerve area
- Muscle weakness
Depending on the severity of the pinched nerve pain, full recovery may take up to two weeks. The most commonly recommended solutions for this condition are rest and physical therapy, but in the worst of cases, surgery may be indicated for relief from the pain.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve goes through the buttocks and travels down the back of the leg. Any compression of this nerve is known as radiculopathy. Sciatica is a form of radiculopathy that involves issues with the sciatic nerve.
The most common symptom of sciatica is severe and burning pain down one leg, the buttocks, lower back, or in the foot. In the most extreme cases, the pain may be so intense that it can cause paralysis, muscle weakness and total numbness, which occurs when the nerve is pinched between the adjacent bone and disc.
Sciatica can also be caused by a cyst or tumor that applies pressure on the root of the sciatic nerve or on the nerve itself.
Treatment
Typically, treatment follows a step wise approach, beginning with more conservative measures such as physical therapy for mobilization and strengthening.
It is recommended that you consult with a qualified provider to allow you to better understand the root cause of your pain. That will in turn guide your treatment plan for optimal relief.
You may need to obtain imaging such as X-rays or an MRI ordered by your provider.
Epidural Steroid injections and nerve blocks are used to reduce inflammation at the nerve root. This treatment is minimally invasive and effective. It can also go so far as to allow you to participate more fully in physical therapy.
An array of treatments exist and they include everything from non invasive treatments to the latest in neuromodulation or other newer surgical technologies that allow providers to return patients to wellness.
Conclusion
If you suffer from chronic back pain, early treatment is crucial to optimal recovery. This is because over time, the nerve root can become damaged. If symptoms are not addressed early, more aggressive treatments may become necessary. For this reason, it is recommended that a consultation with your pain doctor should be scheduled as soon as possible after experiencing sciatica pain symptoms.
Are You Suffering from Chronic Back Pain?
At Florida Pain Relief Centers, our highly skilled, board-certified physicians use the latest in state-of-the-art technologies to more effectively diagnose and treat your pain, and to restore your quality of life.
Our expert pain management physicians utilize a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to advanced pain management, assessing your individual needs to provide the best treatment for relieving your specific type pain.
If you are tired of living with chronic back pain and want more information on options for minimizing or eliminating your suffering, contact Florida Pain Relief Centers today at 800.215.0029 or click the button below to set up a consultation at one of our clinics.
