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Even in the mildest of cases, back pain is frustrating and distracting — and it frequently stumps patients searching for an effective remedy. What does back pain mean? Why does it start? Understanding the answers to these questions is the first step in finding an adequate, appropriate solution. 

Locating Back Pain 

Although back pain can occur anywhere from the lumbar spine to the base of the neck, it can also spread, travel, and change — which makes it even more difficult to accurately diagnose. To get to the root of back pain and understand what it means, specialists primarily work to understand exactly where the pain stems from. Orthopaedists begin this process by discussing the patient’s medical history and performing a complete physical examination. 

In some cases, further testing is the next recommendation. From X-rays to MRIs, diagnostic imaging tests are used to identify sources of pain and uncover possible conditions of the spine or the surrounding nerves that could be causing discomfort. 

Top Causes of Back Pain 

All patients eventually deal with varying degrees of back pain. While some might self-diagnose and attribute their symptoms to a poor night’s sleep or a long day at work, most are left wondering what the true explanation is. This is because there are countless incidents, accidents, and lifestyle factors that can contribute to such an orthopedic injury. 

Lifestyle factors 

Before pursuing any further testing, physicians walk through a patient’s medical history to understand if there are any lifestyle changes that could reduce or eliminate back pain. For example, the following lifestyle factors may increase the risk of spinal stress: 

• Obesity or excess weight
• Smoking
• Poor posture 
• Aging 
• Inactivity 
• Frequent lifting 

Injuries and chronic conditions 

Similar to everyday habits and genetic predispositions, acute injuries and chronic conditions can also contribute to back pain. Some of the most common risk factors include: 

• Muscle strains
• Sprains 
• Arthritis 
• Osteoporosis 

Relieve Your Pain With OASA 

At Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, we want to get to know you so we can get to know your back pain. Using the latest diagnostic technology, we offer convenient, flexible, enhanced imaging options right on-site. Once our specialists determine where the discomfort is coming from, they can get started on determining and recommending treatment. To schedule an appointment and discuss your back pain, complete our request form online or call 904-825-0540.

 

Casey McClone, MD
Board Certifications in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. McClone specializes in treating musculoskeletal pain for patients of all ages with ultra-sound guided injections.