Are you feeling a sharp pain, a dull ache, or stiffness in your back or neck? These are very common musculoskeletal issues, but they can have a negative impact on your quality of life. If left untreated, the pain can escalate into something worse. Understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and complications is critical to effectively treating your pain.
What Causes Pain in The Lower Back, Neck, and Thoracic Spine?
The pain you feel in these three areas can be the result of a number of conditions. In many cases, experiencing pain in the neck, lower back, and thoracic spine can be caused by muscle strain or sprains. Muscle strain is when there is an injury to a specific muscle or tendon. A muscle sprain occurs when the capsule of a joint or a ligament is injured. These are commonly caused by overuse, lifting extremely heavy objects, poor posture, and sudden movements. However, it is possible that your pain can be the result of a more serious issue.
These issues can include the following:
- Degenerative disc disease – As time goes on, it is possible for a person’s spinal discs to degenerate. When spinal discs degenerate, it causes not only pain and discomfort but also decreased disc height, increased friction between the vertebrae, and cushion loss.
- Herniated discs – Herniated discs occur when the soft tissue starts protruding from the outer layer of the spinal cord. As a result, this can irritate the nerves and cause you to feel pain and discomfort.
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, can occur in the spine. When osteoarthritis develops in the spine, it is common to experience pain, stiffness, and even a loss of mobility.
- Scoliosis – Scoliosis is a condition when the spine becomes curved. This condition can become worse over time and cause symptoms, such as pain and discomfort.
- Spinal stenosis – Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal starts to narrow. This can put unnecessary pressure on both the nerves and the spinal cord, which can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in all three spinal regions.
The cause of spinal pain is different for everyone and will require a proper diagnosis.
How Is Spinal Pain Diagnosed?
Although spinal pain is common, the different types of causes can make it difficult to pinpoint the cause. However, there are various ways doctors can diagnose your pain. Before a definitive diagnosis can be made, the first step involves an assessment of your symptoms and medical history.
It is important to understand factors such as the onset, duration, and how the pain presents itself. Furthermore, you will also need to let the doctor know if you have been injured recently, have a certain medical condition, and your current lifestyle. This information can help the doctor better understand what the problem could be.
Once the initial assessment is done, one of the following tests may be performed:
- A physical exam
- Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans
- Electrodiagnostic testing, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS)
- Laboratory tests, such as blood work
- A specialized assessment can include consulting with another medical professional.
How Can I Treat Spinal Pain?
Depending on the diagnosis of your spinal pain, you will be given different ways to treat it. In most cases, you can treat spinal pain by getting enough rest and modifying the activities of your daily routine. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications or muscle relaxants. Performing thoracic stretches and attending physical therapy sessions can help relieve spinal pain, strengthen your back muscles, and improve your flexibility. It is also possible to get epidural steroid injections, but it is important to know that this is not a permanent solution. These shots only aim to provide patients with temporary relief.
How Do I Choose The Right Doctor For My Spinal Pain?
When it comes to choosing the right doctor for treating back pain, you must research their credentials. It is important to check to see if the doctor is board-certified. Another factor to consider when choosing a doctor is their experience. The more experienced the doctor is, the better care you can receive.
Lower Back and Thoracic Pain FAQs
What are common causes of lower back and thoracic pain?
Lower back and thoracic pain can originate from various sources, each affecting the spine and its surrounding structures. Common causes include muscular strain, spinal disc degeneration, arthritis, and traumatic injuries. Postural problems, such as those caused by prolonged sitting or poor ergonomic practices, can also contribute significantly. In some cases, pain originates from internal organs or is a result of conditions like osteoporosis or fibromyalgia.
How does Freedom Spine and Pain Center approach pain treatment?
At Freedom Spine and Pain Center, we adopt a patient-centered approach to diagnose and treat back and thoracic pain. Our treatment strategy begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the underlying causes of your pain. We emphasize a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques and a multidisciplinary treatment model. Our team collaborates to create personalized treatment plans, including medication management, physical therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and pain psychology. This integrated approach helps us address both the symptoms and the root causes of pain, aiming for long-term relief.
What innovative treatments are available for spinal disc degeneration?
Freedom Spine and Pain Center is at the forefront of innovative spinal disc degeneration treatments. We offer several advanced options that focus on reducing pain and improving function without extensive surgery. These include regenerative medicine therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell treatments that promote natural healing of damaged tissues. Additionally, we utilize radiofrequency ablation and spinal cord stimulation to manage pain signals effectively. These treatments are tailored to your unique needs and are based on the latest research and technology in spinal health.
Can lifestyle changes impact my lower back and thoracic pain?
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly impact lower back and thoracic pain. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving posture can all reduce pain. Specific exercises that are designed to strengthen the core and back muscles can improve spinal support and decrease pain. Additionally, adopting ergonomic practices at work and home can prevent pain exacerbation. Our team at Freedom Spine and Pain Center also provides guidance on nutrition and stress management, which can play critical roles in managing chronic pain conditions effectively.
What does it cost to treat lower back and thoracic pain?
The cost of treating lower back and thoracic pain at Freedom Spine and Pain Center varies depending on the specific treatments required. We offer a range of therapies from conservative pain management techniques to advanced interventional procedures. Most basic treatments, such as physical therapy sessions and initial consultations, are generally covered by major insurance plans, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Financing through Care Credit is also available to help cover the cost of your care.
Why choose Freedom Spine & Pain Center for lower back and thoracic pain management?
Choosing Freedom Spine & Pain Center for managing lower back and thoracic pain means opting for a holistic approach that prioritizes long-term wellness over temporary relief. Under the leadership of Dr. Rajesh Sharma, our center focuses on diagnosing and treating the root causes of pain rather than just alleviating symptoms. Dr. Sharma’s philosophy is centered on understanding the patient as a whole, which includes evaluating lifestyle, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions that may contribute to spinal issues.
Schedule an Appointment
Spinal pain, whether it is in the lumbar, cervical, or thoracic spine, can become severe if left untreated. If you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, or loss of mobility, the experienced team at the Freedom Spine & Pain Center is here to help. Contact us at 210-920-8945 to schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers today.
