From yard work to workouts, accidents to aging, there are many reasons why your back might hurt. Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability and often the reason many patients find themselves in the doctor’s office or emergency room.
In fact, 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Acute back pain occurs suddenly and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. If back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks, it’s classified as chronic back pain.
Chronic back and neck pain is something Dr. Arthur Johnson, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Baptist Health-Fort Smith, has spent nearly 30 years helping patients in the River Valley overcome.
Dr. Johnson specializes in conditions of the neck, brain, and spine, including cervical and lumbar spine disorders, head and neck tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, Chiari malformation and hydrocephalus. Acute and chronic pain are common reasons his patients come to see him.
Is Back Pain a Normal Part of Aging?
Back pain can occur at any age. Some causes are related to mechanical or structural issues with the back and spine, while others stem from medical conditions.
“Although back pain is more common in your 50s and 60s, there are many other causes that are not age-related,” said Dr. Johnson. “Congenital issues and diseases like osteoporosis, kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm and chronic inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia can also cause back pain and require treatment.”
Sprains and fractures from accidental injuries or physical activities, along with certain lifestyle habits, can also contribute to back pain. Some of those lifestyle factors include:
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Improper or repetitive lifting
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- Smoking
- Poor sleep habits
When Should I See a Doctor?
Back pain can feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, or a burning or stabbing sensation. It can also be felt as tingling or weakness in the feet or legs, ranging from mild to almost unbearable. If your back pain doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your primary care provider. Your provider can determine if further evaluation by a specialist, like a neurosurgeon, is necessary.
“If your pain is severely debilitating or includes neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling in the legs, or loss of bladder control, you should seek evaluation,” Dr. Johnson advises.
A visit to a neurosurgeon will likely involve several radiologic studies such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans of the affected areas, along with a physical exam.
“We’ll discuss your symptoms and review your medical history to help determine which non-surgical and surgical treatment options are best for you,” says Dr. Johnson.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Although it may not seem appealing, exercise can often ease back pain and prevent future discomfort. Activities such as Pilates, yoga, walking and low-impact strength training can alleviate symptoms. Exercising in a swimming pool can also reduce pressure on the spine and joints, making movement easier without pain. Physical therapy (PT) is another beneficial treatment.
“Physical therapists create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and abilities,” says Dr. Johnson. “Treatment might include movements to stretch and strengthen muscles, the use of hot or cold packs, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). PT is often recommended before and after back surgery.”
Other treatments, such as steroid injections, muscle relaxants, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, can also help relieve pain, Dr. Johnson adds.
For some patients, minimally invasive surgery may be an option to improve mobility, quality of life, and overall function.
To learn more about back and spine surgery at Baptist Health, click here.