What causes back pain?
For some people, back pain feels like a dull, persistent ache. For others, it’s shooting, stabbing pain that flares up periodically. Whatever your back pain feels like, you want to understand what’s causing it. That way, you can minimize activities that worsen your pain while getting targeted treatment to help you heal as quickly as possible.
Any number of things can cause back pain, including:
Injury
Sometimes, a specific accident sets it off. Simply improperly lifting something heavy can leave you with ongoing back pain. In those cases, identifying the cause of your back pain is relatively straightforward. The pain usually results from a strained ligament or muscle.
Disease
Other types of back pain can arise as a result of a health condition. For example, arthritic back pain often comes on slowly as it causes problems in the facet joints in your back. Scoliosis and osteoporosis can also cause back pain that worsens over time.
Disc problems
Another leading cause of back pain is ruptured or bulging discs, which can be the result of injury or disease. These discs cushion your vertebrae. But when one slips out of place or ruptures, it puts pressure on the nerves along your spine, causing pain.
How is back pain treated?
At Yale Neurosurgery New London, Dr. Doherty and his team first work to diagnose the root cause of your back pain. That way, they can apply the most targeted treatment possible.
They take a conservative approach, exploring all of your nonoperative options like physical therapy first. If you do need surgery, expect top-tier care from the entire team before, during, and after your procedure. Dr. Doherty and his staff use the latest back pain technology, including robotic surgical tools, to ensure your safety and precision during your surgery.
What should I expect from my back pain treatment?
Dr. Doherty and the Yale Neurosurgery New London team care deeply about patient education. They talk with you about your back pain, helping you understand its source and all of your treatment options. Then, they work with you to choose the right treatment plan for your body.
If you do choose surgery, your care doesn’t end with your procedure. Yale Neurosurgery New London offers post-operative care, expediting your recovery, and delivering the best outcome possible.
You don’t have to live with ongoing back pain. Start treatment by calling the office or requesting your appointment online today.
