Living Without Back Pain

Individuals need not suffer needlessly from annoying and debilitating back pain when modern medical technology offers numerous solutions. Houston Back Pain Treatment physicians initially complete a physical and verbal evaluation. Imaging studies determine the extent of injury or tissue damage. After compiling all of the necessary information, physicians then provide a diagnosis and offer treatment options. 

Studies indicate that between 60 and 80 percent of the population experiences back pain at one time or another during a lifetime. The most common cause of back pain involves injury to ligaments, joints and muscles. Strains occur and create inflammation and swelling, which places pressure on nerves. Nerve irritation releases chemical signals to the brain that translate into pain. Depending on the type of injury, individuals may benefit from physical therapy and exercise. With rest and anti-inflammatory medications the problem resolves in around six weeks. Sometimes lower back pain occurs because of more serious conditions that require medical intervention.

Herniated Discs

Repetitive motion caused by manual labor or various sports activities may lead to a herniated disc. Sudden heavy strains or temporary increased pressure from lifting improperly might also cause the condition. Shifting of the vertebra in an unnatural position puts pressure on the gelatinous protective discs that lie within the spine. This motion causes herniation of the disc much like squeezing one end of a balloon. 

Osteoarthritis

As people age, spinal joints deteriorate creating rough ages that create friction and affect the cushioning ability of discs. Bone spurs may develop causing increased friction. Inflammation and swelling develop, which compresses delicate nerves and causes pain.

Fractures

Trauma caused by a direct blow to the spine may cause a vertebral fracture. Compression form falling hard onto the buttocks or a blow to the top of the head might also create enough pressure that vertebra fractures. Elderly individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis may endure spinal compression fractures from the slightest amount of added stress secondary to weakened bones. 

Spinal Stenosis 

The natural aging process often causes a narrowing of the cavity containing spinal nerves. The condition pinches nerves, which causes pain. Some people have a congenital form of the condition. 

Kyphosis or Scoliosis

These disease processes create unnatural curvatures in the spine. As the problem progresses, the abnormalities impinge on nerves and cause pain. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Some people develop this condition, which causes chronic spinal inflammation. The inflammation often triggers new bone formation that fuses vertebra together creating immobility. Individuals afflicted with this condition often have a stooped over appearance. 

Spondylolisthesis

A vertebra slipping forward or backward out of position defines spondylolisthesis. Left untreated, the condition may worsen and cause a spinal deformity. The misplaced vertebra creates pain by causing nerve compression. Various factors create this disorder including genetics, deterioration secondary to aging or a traumatic spinal injury. Disease processes that include tumors might also cause spondylolisthesis. 

Infections

Bacterial, fungal or viral infections anywhere in the body may travel to the spine from the bloodstream. The microbes then attack the bones, discs or nerves in the spine producing inflammation, pain and possible tissue deterioration. 

The physicians at Houston Back Pain Treatment Centers offer a high level of expertise and a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options covering dozens of back related diagnoses. Managing pain symptoms and restoring functionality remains one of the main objectives of the center. Neurosurgeons employed at the facility use the latest techniques and technologies in a state of the art medical center for the benefit of patients. 

281-44-NEURO

281-446-3876