Turn to the Pain Experts of Arizona
Back pain has been described as “the bane of human existence.”
Almost everyone has experienced or will experience bouts of back pain, ranging from merely bothersome to excruciating and incapacitating. Back pain can limit our physical activities. It can be not only frustrating and agonizing, but in many cases, can trigger anxiety, frustration, and depression as the pain limits your abilities to function. In Gilbert and Chandler, AZ, back pain sufferers can turn to The Pain Experts of Arizona for help. Dr. Ahdev Kuppusamy started The Pain Experts of Arizona to make positive changes in his community by helping people get out of pain. Our logo—a spine with ripples and waves around it—exemplifies the life-changing impacts that can happen when you get out of pain and are free to do the things you love again. If you are in pain or suffering from the symptoms of back pain Arizona residents are encouraged to contact us for a consultation. Please let us help you get back to doing what you love.
Types of back pain
Back pain is categorized into two types: acute and chronic.
Acute back pain
Acute pain starts suddenly and lasts for up to six weeks.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic pain develops over a longer period, lasts for more than three months, and causes ongoing symptoms and problems.
Causes of Back Pain
Back pain and dysfunction can result from arthritis of the spine, the aging process, abnormal spinal curvature, osteoporosis, new or previous injuries, spinal column narrowing, stenosis, herniated or bulging spinal discs, and muscle other soft tissue pain and tenderness.
Certain medical conditions such as disorders of the heart or kidneys and some forms of cancer can also trigger back pain.
Common risk factors for back pain include occupational activities, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, and poor physical fitness.
Prevention of back pain
Fortunately, there are proven self-awareness measures we can take to help ward off back pain. Getting proper rest and sleep, building core strength through safe exercise, keeping body weight at or near an optimal level, avoiding smoking, and maintaining proper posture are all critically important.
Use your legs to lift things rather than your back. Stretch lightly and safely (not severely). Wear properly supportive shoes, and sleep on a mattress that keeps your spine straight while supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks. To help avoid neck pain, do not sleep on a pillow that forces your neck into a steep angle.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Back injuries and issues can generate a wide and frustrating array of symptoms. Among them are:
- Persistent back pain, even when lying down or resting
- Leg pain, anywhere from the buttocks to below the knees
- Numbness
- Urinary difficulty or incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
Medical diagnoses are generally confirmed using imaging, including X-rays, bone scans, MRIs or CT scans, and nerve studies. Your doctor may also order a blood test if an infection is suspected.
Non-surgical back pain treatments
The good news is that most back pain naturally resolves itself with time. Bed rest is not recommended. It’s important to keep moving.
Over the counter pain relievers may be helpful, along with applications of ice and heat as appropriate. Ice is used for acute pain following an injury, while heat may “tone down” chronic discomfort.
Topical pain relievers contained in creams, salves, ointments or patches may bring some relief.
Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, but be aware that they may cause dizziness.
Some types of antidepressants including duloxetine and amitriptyline have been shown to reduce chronic back pain, independent on their effect on depression.
Careful and professional physical therapy can increase flexibility, strengthen your back and improve your posture, all of which can help lower pain levels.
Alternative medical techniques
Some back pain sufferers report they have achieved relief through chiropractic, acupuncture, use of an external TENS unit that delivers electrical impulses to painful areas, biofeedback, massage, and yoga.
Surgical indicators and other procedures
Generally, surgery is not used to treat back pain itself. Rather, surgeries may be appropriate to correct structural injuries and abnormalities that are causing your pain. Surgery should only be performed if other treatments haven’t worked. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to help our patients avoid surgery while still correcting the core causes of their back pain.
There are “red flags” that may alert your doctor to the need for more thorough intervention, including bowel or bladder issues, weakness in limbs, and changes in nerve reflexes.
Cortisone injections can greatly reduce pain levels in many patients, as may implantation of nerve stimulating devices. Exciting new medical technologies are emerging to inject human cells that may eliminate pain caused by degenerative disk disease.
Selecting the right doctor and medical facility may be the most important decision you make in determining the level of your back pain treatment success. The Pain Experts of Arizona are eager and able to help you.
Preparing for your consultation and treatment
It’s important that you be actively engaged and an active participant in your treatment plan. Communication with your doctor is imperative. Be open in providing your key personal and medical information, including mental or emotional stressors you are facing.
List your symptoms, in complete detail.
Provide a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Your doctor should ask you an extensive series of questions about your medical history, your symptoms and your lifestyle. But it’s equally important that you pose questions for your doctor. Those questions include:
- What is the most likely cause of my back pain?
- What diagnostic tests do I need?
- What treatment approach and medications do you recommend?
- How can I best manage any other health issues I’m facing?
- How long will I need treatment?
- What self-care measures should I try?
- What can I do to avoid future back pain?
Schedule a Back Pain consultation with The Pain Experts of Arizona
We treat back pain patients in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas. Back pain relief begins with proper and accurate diagnosis. The mission of The Pain Experts of Arizona is to provide patients with state-of-the-art medical treatment combined with exceptional and compassionate personal care.
Pain does not have to control your life. Schedule a back pain consultation as a first step toward reclaiming the life you love.
