Back pain is no walk in the park, especially when it takes you by surprise by coming on suddenly. Whether you were on the back nine at the golf course, slid into home, or spent the day biking, your favorite sport can do a number on your back and sideline you until you heal. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to get you back to your game as soon as possible.
At Alliance Orthopedics, our team’s mission is to stop your back pain, so you can get back to enjoying life. Our expert team includes orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors who specialize in all types of injuries, including those to your back. They help you get the treatment you desperately need to feel better.
Causes of back pain
Back pain is a problem that not only leads to missed work, but also, over time, could lead to permanent disability without proper treatment. Sometimes, your pain is from a mild injury and it goes away on its own. But, if your back pain sticks around and doesn’t seem to get better, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
When it comes to back pain, you might think of an injury as the most common cause of this condition. This is especially true if you’re active in sports, as your body needs to be conditioned to do so. But there are other things that lead to back pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
- Muscle strains
- Bulging discs
- Sciatica
- Compression fractures
Your posture is another key factor in the health of your back. When you’re slumped over at work, or you don’t use good posture while playing your sport, it can lead to strain on the muscles and nerves in your back and neck as well.
Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
When your back hurts, you probably can’t think of much else other than the pain. Although this is one of the most common symptoms of back trouble, there are other symptoms that may signal a more serious problem or injury. Some of these symptoms include:
- Numbness in your legs
- Tingling in your legs
- Shooting or stabbing pain
- Weakness in your legs
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Fever with back pain
If you experience any of the above symptoms with your back pain, it’s important to seek help from our team as soon as you can. You also want to get treatment for pain that persists for more than a few days, or that doesn’t go away with rest or home remedies.
How do you get relief?
Getting your pain under control is the key to getting back to your busy, active life. The sooner you get treatment, the quicker you’ll be off the couch and back at it. But what do your pain relief options include?
Our team at Alliance Orthopedics fully evaluates your back to make sure they get you the best treatment for your condition. In most cases, conservative treatments are the first line of treatment for your pain. This may include therapies like:
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Rest
- Ice or heat
- Medications
Our team sometimes uses traction to get your back pain under control. This uses weights and pulleys to help stretch the muscles and vertebrae in your back to ease discomfort. These treatments may give you the back pain relief you’ve been looking for.
Sometimes, though, conservative treatments just aren’t enough, in which case our team recommends surgery. Surgery is reserved for severe cases, though, because it’s invasive and requires a longer recovery.
Our team performs many different types of spinal surgery, including spinal fusions, laminectomy, and disc replacements. These surgeries may help you get your life back after months or even years of back pain.
If you’re tired of having pain in your back, don’t hesitate to call one of our four convenient locations in New Jersey, or book a consultation with our pain management doctors online today.