Back pain may occur for numerous reasons and be exacerbated by a broad spectrum of different conditions and factors. From traumatic injuries to degenerative diseases, careful evaluation of their underlying causes is critical. At Resolve Pain and Spine, our leading doctors understand that an accurate diagnosis is at the core of effective pain management and are 100% dedicated to uncovering the root cause of your chronic back pain.

Broadly speaking, common causes of back pain include:

• Mechanical Back Pain – Mechanical back pain refers to back pain that is caused by direct injury or damage to spinal structures including the vertebrae, ligaments, discs, joints, and nerves.
• Inflammatory Back Pain – This type of chronic back pain is caused by inflammatory diseases such as certain types of spinal arthritis.
• Degenerative Back Pain – Degenerative back pain typically occurs as spinal discs deteriorate and break down over time.

Other factors that may also increase a patient’s risk of developing chronic back pain include the following:

• Age – As patients age and their spinal discs lose moisture and become less robust, the risk of developing chronic back pain increases.
• Obesity – Carrying excess body weight places extra pressure on the joints of the spine and can lead to higher incidences of chronic back pain.
• Medical History – Patients with a personal or family history of certain diseases, such as arthritis, may be more likely to suffer from chronic back pain.
• Lifestyle Choices – Staying active can help reduce the chances of developing chronic back pain while leading a sedentary lifestyle may increase them.
• Occupational Factors – People with jobs that require manual labor are often at higher risk of developing chronic back pain conditions.
• Smoking – Research has demonstrated a higher prevalence of back pain in smokers and previous smokers than in non-smokers.
• Mental Health – In some cases, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are correlated with higher rates of chronic pain, including back pain.

Symptoms Of Back Pain

The symptoms of back pain can vary widely depending on their cause. At Resolve, we commonly hear patients describe the following:

• Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
• Pain that feels like a dull ache
• Muscle spasms or aches
• Pain that is aggravated by twisting, lifting, leaning, bending, or standing
• Pain and/or abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or weakness that radiate into the extremities

No matter the nature of your symptoms, if back pain is ongoing and impacting your quality of life on a daily basis, it’s time to address it effectively and permanently. Contact Resolve Pain and Spine to learn more!

Common Conditions We Treat

At Resolve Pain and Spine, our highly skilled team of pain doctors diagnoses and treats back pain stemming from a vast spectrum of different causes. Some of the most common include the following:

Herniated And Bulging Discs

In a healthy back, intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae, absorb shocks, and allow for natural flexibility and movement of the spine. When these discs bulge or rupture, spinal nerves can be pinched or irritated, resulting in severe pain and discomfort that may radiate to the extremities.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, originating in the lumbar spine (lower back) and running down through the back of each leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or injured, symptoms including pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in the buttock and leg may become debilitating. This is known as sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease refers to a condition characterized by the ongoing deterioration of the spinal discs over time. It often worsens with age, resulting in limitations on function and mobility.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is located at the bottom of the spinal column and connects the sacrum to the pelvis. When this joint’s natural movement becomes altered, lower back pain can occur along with other symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the pelvis, buttock, or leg.

Diagnosis And Treatment

At Resolve Pain and Spine, the accurate diagnosis of chronic back pain is fundamental to our holistic treatment approach. Our experienced team of doctors is committed to taking the time necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of your symptoms and treatment goals so that we can help you move forward toward a pain-free life.

In addition to carefully reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of the affected area, we may also order diagnostic tests including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, laboratory tests, and more. Uncovering hidden causes of chronic pain is one of our areas of expertise and we won’t move forward with developing a treatment plan until we are confident in our diagnosis of your condition.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the team at Resolve Pain and Spine will recommend a personalized combination of complementary treatment options that may include one or more of the following:

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are targeted injections that effectively turn off pain signals before they reach the brain. They can be highly effective in the treatment of certain types of chronic back pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural corticosteroid injections are administered directly into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. They are often indicated in cases where spinal nerves are impinged or irritated.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive technique that precisely targets and heats nerve tissue with energy generated by radio waves.  It can be highly effective in treating chronic nerve pain and offer a non-surgical path forward to pain-free living.  

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell treatments, harness the body’s own healing potential and can help restore wellness in the wake of injuries and conditions that cause chronic back pain.

In addition to the treatment options listed above, we also offer therapies including acupuncture, spinal cord stimulation, facet joint injections, trigger point injections, and much more. To learn more about our integrative approach to pain medicine, book your initial consultation today!

Why Resolve Pain And Spine?

At Resolve Pain and Spine, we specialize in treating complex cases of acute or chronic pain. We take a big-picture approach that draws on a combination of integrative, functional, regenerative, and interventional pain management techniques, and have a proven track record of success in helping patients overcome back pain.

We look forward to accurately diagnosing the underlying causes of your back pain and being the last stop on your treatment journey. Contact our clinic today to learn more and experience the Resolve difference for yourself.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you are seeking a world-class pain specialist who can help you regain your spinal function, mobility, and overall quality of life, contact Resolve Pain and Spine in West Orange and Brick, New Jersey. Our exceptional team is ready to guide and support you in overcoming the pain that is holding you back, using innovative, non-surgical techniques. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment!