What Causes Back Pain?

Back Pain

Ancient medical experts believed back pain was brought on by a fluid imbalance. Many patients were therefore treated with bloodletting. Today we know that back pain can have a variety of causes. Muscle and ligament sprains cause many episodes of back pain. Problems in the internal organs or tumors can also cause back pain by affecting nerves that emanate from the spinal column. Even stress can result in back pain, by causing muscles in the back to tighten. Many people also suffer back pain as a result of traumatic and degenerative spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis and disc diseases including bulging disc and herniated disc. These spinal disorders put pressure on nerves within or emanating from the spinal column, and this pressure on the nerves – commonly referred to as a pinched nerve – causes the pain and other problems associated with the conditions. In cases where pinched nerves do not resolve with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, spinal decompression surgery can relieve pressure on spinal nerves, and dramatically reduce pain and associated symptoms. In the past, spinal fusion back surgery was routinely performed in conjunction with spinal decompression surgery to stabilize the spine by fusing adjacent vertebrae at the site of the surgery.  Spinal fusion back surgery not only produces inconsistent results but also eliminates the independent motion of the fused vertebrae. Today, patients no longer need to surrender spinal motion to benefit from decompression spinal surgery. The TOPS™ System from Premia Spine enables spinal decompression patients to maintain their full range of spinal motion. Instead of fusing adjacent vertebrae during surgery the surgeon implants the TOPS System and preserves pain-free flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation at each vertebra.

From simple conservative treatments to advanced surgical procedures, whatever the cause of your back pain, it’s comforting to know effective treatment is available from qualified spine specialists.