What causes back pain?

The human back consists of a complex structure of bones, discs, ligaments, muscles and tendons, each working in harmony to support you and allow you to move normally. Problems with any structural component of the back can lead to pain. Some common causes include:

• Muscle, ligament, and other soft tissue strain
• Changes in the structure of your spine
• Nerve compression, irritation, and damage

There are many underlying factors that can lead to back pain, including:

• Improper lifting techniques or overuse of your back muscles
• Age-related changes such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, and other wear-and-tear deterioration involving your spine
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis) that causes nerve compression
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes, which can damage nerve tissue and cause neuropathy
• Skeletal irregularities such as scoliosis, which causes your spine to curve to the side

What is the process for diagnosing back pain?

A doctor is often able to diagnose back pain after performing a physical examination and assessing your symptoms.

You may need to undergo a series of x-rays & scans if:

• Your pain persists over a long period.
• Your discomfort is due to an underlying cause, which involves treatment.
• Your aches appear to result from an injury.

Additionally, the following specific tests can provide more information about your back condition:

• Electromyography (EMG) – Measures the electrical impulses generated by the body’s nerves. This test can confirm nerve compression, which may occur with spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.
• Bone scans – Detect compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or bone tumors.
• X-Rays – Check for signs of broken bones and/or arthritis. They also reveal the alignment of the bones.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Reveals herniated disks or problems with blood vessels, ligaments, nerves, tendons and tissues.

How can you tell what’s causing my back pain?

Our medical team uses their medical expertise and a variety of techniques to diagnose the underlying cause of your back pain. They start with a thorough physical exam and careful review of the type of discomfort you’re experiencing.

Symptoms that indicate a back issue may include:

• Muscle aching and stiffness in your middle, upper, or lower back
• Shooting or stabbing pain that may start in your back and travel into your legs
• A sensation of an electrical shock
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking
• Pain that improves with reclining
• Numbness, tingling, and weakness in your legs

The type of pain you’re having can often provide clues to the origin of your pain. Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs, for instance, is often due to sciatic nerve dysfunction. 

X-rays, MRIs and other diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies provide more detailed information about what’s causing your pain.

What is the treatment for back pain?

Treatment varies and depends on the cause of your pain. Our Team may recommend physical therapy, lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of damaging your back, and treatment for the symptoms relating to neuropathy. 

One very effective treatment we often recommend for nerve irritation is Nerve Regenerating Therapy (NRT), which provides pain relief via a Pharmaceutical Grade Nutrient Blend delivered by injection and low-level electrical signals to the affected areas.

When our medical staff performs a NRT, they inject a Pharmaceutical Grade Nutrient Blend into the target region, followed by treatment with an Electronic Signal Treatment (EST) device. The EST machine combines (and simultaneously delivers) amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) electric cell currents in pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

NRT treatment helps enhance the healing process by:

• Increasing available oxygen and blood flow
• Boosting second messenger molecules responsible for regenerative tissue effects
• Promoting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

Further, Nerve Regenerating Therapy helps with other forms of treatment. NRT helps provide motivation to continue your sessions as you experience reduced pain and noticeable improvement.

When it comes to administering NRT, only trained and licensed medical professionals such as our body pain specialists can perform this procedure. The EST device requires a high degree of skill and is more powerful than standard electro-stimulator devices found on the market. If you think you might benefit from NRT, we advise you to consult with our medical staff to determine your eligibility for our treatment program.

Regardless of what’s causing your back pain, you can rely on our team’s training and medical expertise to provide effective treatment solutions. Call today to schedule an appointment with our medical team or book your visit online.