Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, ranging from mild, dull discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that affects your daily life. At Better Pain Management Strategies in Elkridge, Maryland, Dr. Mercy Amah, DNP, takes a holistic approach to care to help you experience lasting relief from back pain without surgery. Call the pain management clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are the most common causes of back pain?

The back is a complex structure that promotes mobility and flexibility while supporting the rest of the body. With a series of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, any damage to your back can lead to acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) pain. Many injuries, structural disorders, and degenerative conditions can cause back pain, including:

• Muscle strains or sprains
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Scoliosis
• Fractured vertebrae
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Poor posture 
• Trauma or injury to the back

These conditions and injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, including stiffness, limited range of motion, muscle weakness, shooting pain, and numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. If you experience frequent back pain, the Better Pain Management Strategies team can determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

When should I see a medical professional for back pain?

Any back pain that affects your quality of life is worth investigating. Without proper treatment, it can lead to disability and prevent you from work and daily life. Telltale warning signs that you should seek pain management for your back include:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain that spreads down one or both legs or arms
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs
• Recent trauma, such as a fall or automobile accident
• Pain that interferes with sleep

Better Pain Management Strategies provides comprehensive evaluations to uncover the source of your pain for the most effective treatment.

What are home remedies for relieving back pain?

If your pain feels mild to moderate, home remedies may effectively relieve discomfort that include:

• Rest
• Ice or heat
• Stretches
• Activity modification
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

Good posture is crucial for a healthy back. If hunching or stooping makes your back pain feel worse, your pain specialist at Better Pain Management Strategies can help improve your posture.

What are the most effective treatments to relieve back pain?

After diagnosing the cause of your back pain with a comprehensive physical exam, medical history review, lab work, and imaging scans, your provider can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Pain management injections
• Physical therapy
• Massage therapy

If nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough to relieve your back pain, your provider may refer you to another specialist for surgery.

Call Better Pain Management Strategies today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the most effective treatments for back pain.