Back pain is a common ailment. Though treating acute pain at home with over-the-counter medications and rest is often possible, you should see a specialist if your condition does not improve. Unabated back pain could signal the start of chronic problems or be a symptom of a severe condition. If you are suffering from back pain in the Charlotte, NC, area and are looking for treatment, our team at Carolina’s Pain Center is here to help.
When Should You See a Back Pain Doctor?
You should also be aware of signs that tell you it is time to seek back pain treatment from a physician.
- If acute back pain lasts for more than a week;
- If the pain spreads from your back to your arms or legs;
- If you feel numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your extremities;
- If you experience trauma, such as a vehicle accident, fall, or sports-related injury;
- If the back pain comes with an unexplained fever, weight loss, or gastrointestinal problems;
- If the pain is worse when you are in specific positions, such as lying down or sitting.
While you can seek treatment for general back pain in Charlotte at a clinic like Carolinas Pain Center, some symptoms, such as extreme numbness or a sudden loss of feeling in arms or legs, may require emergency medical care.
What Are The Causes of Back Pain?
Back pain can be due to injury or chronic conditions. Here is a look at the possible causes.
Chronic Ailments
- Arthritis, which causes painful inflammation of the joints between each vertebra
- Osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle, weak, and prone to cracks and breaks
- Obesity, which puts extra weight on the vertebrae, muscles, and tendons in the back
- Spondylitis, which is an infection of the back joints
- Spinal stenosis, which compresses the nerves around the spine
Acute Ailments
- Muscle or tendon strains caused by lifting, twisting, falling, other trauma, repetitive motions, or poor posture
- Nerve compression or inflammation due to a bulging or ruptured disc (which provides a cushion between vertebrae)
- Fractures or ligament tears caused by trauma
- Pain from kidney problems, gallbladder stones, or certain cancers
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Lower Back Pain Treatments in Charlotte, NC
Spine pain treatment options vary depending on your condition and the nature of your injury. While medications and procedures are often helpful, physical therapy is frequently part of a chronic back pain treatment plan. Here is a look at back pain treatment options.
- Back pain may often improve with rest, ice packs, heating pads, over-the-counter medications, or gentle stretching followed by rest.
- Prescription back pain treatments can involve painkillers like codeine, anti-inflammatories like hydrocortisone, and muscle relaxers like benzodiazepines.
- For severe discomfort, lower back pain treatment options can include injections. These typically involve anti-inflammatories.
- Traction and chiropractic treatments can help with alignment and compression problems.
If other lower and upper back pain treatment options fail, surgery could be necessary. Procedures could include implanting a disc, removing compressed vertebrae, or fusing part of the spine.
Contact Us for Back Pain Treatment in Charlotte NC
Back pain can start for different reasons, and treatments should balance relieving pain with treating any root causes for the discomfort and preventing further problems. At Carolinas Pain Center, we offer a balanced approach that focuses on healing pain and the issues that cause it. If you have back pain in Charlotte, contact us to schedule an appointment.
