Back pain – particularly in the lower back – plagues almost 25% of American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When back pain persists, this is called chronic back pain, and it needs to be treated at its source in order to provide lasting relief.
Let’s talk about some of the most frequently occurring underlying conditions that cause back pain, and where you can go in Watertown to see a back pain doctor for treatment that works.
What Causes Back Pain?
Some of the main reasons behind chronic back pain are the following:
Impact Injury from an Accident or Sports
A sudden injury that affects the neck or back, such as a car accident or sports injury, can result in acute back pain. If the injury is mild, it may be able to be repaired naturally by resting the back; however, you will not necessarily be able to tell how mild or severe the back injury is, so it is in your best interest to have an evaluation and possible treatment by a back pain doctor.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease affects the soft cushions (discs) between each set of two adjacent vertebrae (bones) in the spine. The discs each consist of a thick, fibrous outer capsule and an inner, jelly-like substance, and the entire disc is made of cartilage.
Sometimes, the discs begin to degenerate due to years of wear and tear, weight issues, smoking, and even lack of exercise. Also, the discs may herniate (tear), causing the soft interior to bulge out of the capsule and push onto nearby spinal nerves, causing constant pain.
Spinal Deformities
The most common – and most well-known – spinal deformities are spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and arthritis of the spine. These issues can cause noticeable changes in the position of the spinal vertebrae and can cause pain.
Spinal Stenosis
This is when the spinal canal gradually narrows in some people due to normal aging. The spinal canal houses the delicate and sensitive spinal cord along the spine, so any pressure on it can cause pain.
Spinal stenosis usually occurs in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) areas of the spinal column. The vertebrae may also become misaligned, which can worsen back pain, cause numbness, or lead to weakness in one or more limbs.
Scoliosis
This deformity can develop at any age, and it features a characteristic S-shaped or C-shaped curvature of the spine – which can be seen clearly on the exposed back, just as you can see a straight spine in those who do not have scoliosis. Many adolescents develop it (congenital scoliosis), as well as people with degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and osteoporosis.
Osteoarthritis
Arthritis may develop in the facet joints of the spine. This can cause neck pain, lower back pain, back stiffness, stooped posture, grinding and popping noises from the spine, headaches, and changes in gait and balance.
Orthopedic Back Pain Doctor in Watertown, NY
At North Country Orthopaedic Group, our team consists of board-certified orthopedic physicians who can diagnose and treat problems that are associated with the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. We offer injection therapy, physical therapy, and other non-operative solutions to address back pain with lasting relief.
Get the care you need to resolve your back pain once and for all. Call us today at (315) 782-1650, or fill out our appointment request form online. We look forward to serving you!
