Back Pain

At Vertex Pain Physicians, we understand how debilitating back pain can be. Whether you suffer from a dull ache or sharp, debilitating pain, our aim is to provide individualized, effective care to help you regain your mobility and improve your quality of life. We provide a range of minimally invasive treatments and advanced pain management techniques designed to help you in managing back pain.

1. What is Back Pain?

Millions of people experience back pain every year, making it one of the most prevalent medical problems. The duration of pain might vary from a few days for acute pain to weeks or more for chronic pain. Different parts of the spine can cause back pain, and the underlying cause might affect how severe the pain is. These regions include:

• Upper Back Pain: Often caused by muscle strain, bad posture, or injury.
• Middle Back Pain: May result from spinal issues, herniated discs, or systemic conditions like arthritis.
• Lower Back Pain: The most prevalent type, often linked to muscle strain, degenerative disc disease, or sciatica.

2. What Are the Common Causes of Back Pain?

Back pain can arise from several underlying factors. Some of the most common causes include:

2.1 How Can Muscle Strain and Overuse Lead to Back Pain?

Repetitive movements, improper lifting techniques, and sudden injuries can cause muscle strain and overuse. This often leads to pain and discomfort in the back, which can result in muscle spasms and tension.

• Related Services: We offer Physical Therapy to target muscle strength, flexibility, and posture. Trigger Point Injections can also help relieve tension from overused muscles.

2.2 What Is a Herniated Disc and How Does It Contribute to Back Pain?

A herniated disc occurs when the soft cushion between vertebrae slips out of place, often pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain. This condition is common in both the neck and lower back, especially among individuals who lift heavy objects or engage in repetitive bending.

• Related Services: For herniated discs, treatments like Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (mild®) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) can reduce pain and improve mobility by targeting nerve signals.

2.3 How Does Degenerative Disc Disease Contribute to Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic pain results from the natural degeneration of the discs between vertebrae as we age. This condition often causes pain in the lower back, hips, and legs and may lead to complications like nerve compression or spinal stenosis.

• Related Services: We may recommend Epidural Steroid Injections to reduce inflammation or Vertebroplasty for treating fractures due to disc degeneration.

2.4 How Does Arthritis Contribute to Back Pain?

Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation and stiffness in the spine, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.

• Related Services: If arthritis is the cause, Joint Injections can help provide targeted pain relief, and Acupuncture or Physical Therapy can assist with improving joint function and reducing stiffness.

2.5 What Is Spinal Stenosis and How Does It Cause Back Pain?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness, especially in the legs and lower back.

• Related Services: Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) or Percutaneous Discectomy are effective options for relieving pressure on the nerves and improving spinal function.

2.6 How Do Structural Abnormalities Like Scoliosis Lead to Chronic Back Pain?

Scoliosis and other structural abnormalities, such as abnormal curvature of the spine, can lead to chronic discomfort by placing excessive pressure on muscles and nerves.

• Related Services: Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (mild®) is effective for relieving pain from spinal misalignments, and Chiropractic Care can assist with realigning the spine.

3. What Symptoms Are Associated with Back Pain?

The symptoms of back pain can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Dull, aching pain or sharp, stabbing discomfort.
• Pain that worsens with movement, prolonged sitting, or standing.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
• Limited range of motion or stiffness in the back.

If you experience severe pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or weakness in your legs, it is important to get immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

5. What Treatments Are Available for Back Pain Relief?

Once we have identified the cause of your back pain, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of non-surgical, minimally invasive, or surgical options, depending on your needs.

5.1 What Non-Surgical Treatments Can Help?

• Physical Therapy: Focused exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture, which is essential for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications as appropriate to manage pain.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain caused by nerve compression.
• Chiropractic Care: Techniques designed to realign the spine and relieve pressure on nerves.
• Acupuncture: A holistic approach that stimulates specific points on the body to relieve pain.

5.2 What Minimally Invasive Procedures Can Provide Relief?

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A procedure to interrupt nerve signals, providing long-term pain relief.
• Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): A device implanted to block pain signals, offering effective relief for chronic pain.

5.3 What Surgical Options Are Available?

When non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgical interventions such as:

• Microdiscectomy: Removing part of a herniated disc to relieve nerve pressure.
• Laminectomy: Removing part of the bone to alleviate spinal canal pressure.
• Spinal Fusion: Fusing vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

4. How Do We Approach Back Pain Management?

At Vertex Pain Physicians, we take a patient-centered approach to diagnosing and treating back pain. Our team of board-certified specialists uses state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based methods to provide personalized care that addresses the root cause of your pain.

4.1 How Do We Diagnose Back Pain?

We begin with a comprehensive diagnosis, which includes:

• Detailed Medical History and Physical Examination: Our providers assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying conditions that could contribute to your pain.
• Advanced Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans help us accurately identify the cause of your pain.
• Diagnostic Procedures: In some cases, we may perform nerve conduction studies or discography to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort.

6. How Can I Prevent Back Pain?

At Vertex Pain Physicians, prevention is a main part of our treatment philosophy. We empower patients with the knowledge and resources to maintain a healthy spine and avoid future pain. Some prevention tips include:

• Practicing Good Posture: Maintaining proper alignment while sitting, standing, and sleeping can help reduce strain on your back.
• Engaging in Regular, Low-Impact Exercises: Activities like swimming, yoga, or walking strengthen the back muscles, increase flexibility, and promote spinal health.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts strain on the spine, particularly the lower back, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
• Using Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoid heavy lifting or improper bending to prevent back injuries.
• Investing in Ergonomic Furniture: Supportive chairs and mattresses can help maintain healthy spinal alignment and alleviate pressure.

7. Why Choose Vertex Pain Physicians?

We are here to get you relief from back pain by treating and diagnosing the root cause of the back pain. Our clinic offers comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment and prevention. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to treatment and prevention, we are with you at every step of your recovery journey.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools to ensure the best possible outcomes.
• Compassionate Team: Our skilled providers prioritize your comfort and well-being.

Convenient Location: We are easily accessible to patients in San Antonio and surrounding areas.

8. Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t let back pain control your life. At  Vertex Pain Physicians, we’re here to help you regain comfort, flexibility, and mobility. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your back pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.