Back Pain

If you have back pain, then you’re too familiar with a nagging ache, stiffness, or sharp twinge in your lower or upper spine. The Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic team in Allen, Texas understands that even simple movements can feel challenging. You need pain relief whether your back pain stems from poor posture, an old injury, or daily strain. Book an appointment for an evaluation and expert treatment. Call or use the online scheduling feature now.

What causes back pain?

Back pain can result from various factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, injuries, and underlying medical conditions. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, and scoliosis. 

Poor lifting techniques, prolonged sitting, and lack of exercise can also contribute to back pain, which is linked to stress and emotional tension and causes muscle tightness and discomfort.

What are the different types of back pain?

Back pain can be categorized based on its duration and origin:

• Acute back pain: lasts a few days to a few weeks; muscle strains, ligament sprains, or minor injuries cause this pain 
• Chronic back pain: persists for more than three months and may be related to degenerative conditions like arthritis or disc disease
• Mechanical back pain: the most common type, is caused by issues with the spine, muscles, or ligaments, often due to movement and posture
• Radicular pain: known as sciatica, occurs when nerve compression causes pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the legs
• Inflammatory back pain: caused by autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, leads to stiffness and pain, especially in the morning

Your Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic provider can diagnose your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan.

When should I seek medical treatment for back pain?

You should seek medical attention if your back pain persists for more than a few weeks or remains severe despite rest and home treatments. In addition, if you experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your legs, you may have nerve involvement, which requires a prompt evaluation. 

Other concerning symptoms include fever, unexplained weight loss, or loss of bladder or bowel control, which may signal a serious underlying condition. If your back pain follows an injury, such as a fall or car accident, seek medical care immediately to rule out fractures or other structural damage.

How is back pain treated?

 Treatment options for back pain include:

• Self-care: rest, ice/heat therapy, and gentle stretching
• Medications: pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy: stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility
• Chiropractic care and massage: helps relieve muscle tension and improve alignment
• Injections: corticosteroid injections for inflammation and pain relief

Your provider may recommend surgery in severe cases, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

If you suffer from back pain, book an appointment by phone or online today.