Loading...

Back pain can come from a muscle strain, arthritis, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, the right treatment depends on identifying the source of the pain, how long it has been present, and how it affects your daily life.

At the Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center, patients in Northwest Arkansas receive an evaluation and an individualized treatment plan. Many treatment plans begin with nonsurgical care, with other options considered when symptoms persist.

Start with an Evaluation

A spine specialist may ask when the pain began, what makes it better or worse, and whether it travels into the buttocks or legs. The evaluation may include a physical exam and, when appropriate, imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

Back pain can have several possible causes. For example, a herniated disc or pinched nerve may cause pain that travels from the back into the leg. An evaluation helps guide which treatments may be appropriate.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Back Pain

Physical therapy

Physical therapy for the spine may help improve strength, flexibility, movement, and the ability to manage daily activities. A physical therapist can create an individualized program and teach exercises to continue at home.

Medication and activity guidance

Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, a provider may recommend medication or changes to activities that aggravate the pain. Your care team can discuss which options are appropriate for you and how to use them safely.

Spinal injections

Spinal injections may be used to help identify the source of pain or as part of a treatment plan. Options can include epidural, facet joint, or sacroiliac joint injections. Whether an injection is appropriate depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s symptoms.

Rhizotomy

For some patients whose pain is linked to the facet joints, a rhiztomy may be considered. This minimally invasive procedure targets nerves that carry pain signals from those joints. A specialist can determine whether this option fits the cause of your back pain.

Spinal cord stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator may be considered for certain people with persistent pain who have not had significant relief from less invasive treatments. It is an implanted device that changes how pain signals are perceived; it does not repair or cure the underlying condition.

Regenerative medicine

The Spine Center also lists regenerative medicine for some types of degenerative spine pain. Ozark Orthopaedics notes that these procedures are considered experimental, are not covered by insurance, and do not guarantee results. Ask a specialist about potential benefits, limitations, costs, and alternatives.

When Should You Seek Care for Back Pain?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if your back pain is not improving, keeps returning, travels into your leg, or interferes with work, sleep, or everyday activities.

Seek urgent medical care for back pain accompanied by new loss of bowel or bladder control, significant leg weakness or numbness, fever, or pain after a severe fall or blow. These symptoms need prompt medical attention.

Find a Back Pain Treatment Plan That Fits You

There is no single treatment that works for every cause of back pain. The Ozark Orthopaedics Spine Center evaluates back and neck conditions and develops care plans based on each patient’s needs.

If back pain is affecting your daily life, request an appointment today.