/assets/production/practices/a7962e896decfe27848427e23dcf8ed51d3a06f7/images/2750644.jpeg)
About 80% of the population in the United States experiences back pain at some point in their lives — namely low back pain. Wherever the pain is located, back problems can hijack your life in myriad ways. This is where the back specialists at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates come in. Through comprehensive diagnostics and treatments, the team helps patients in Daly City, California, move freely again without pain. To relieve your back pain, call or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
Back Pain Q & A
What is the anatomy of the back?
To better understand back pain, it’s helpful to get a clear picture of the anatomy of your back. At the core of this structure is your spine, which is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by 23 discs. These vertebrae and discs are divided into four sections:
- Cervical spine, or neck
- Thoracic spine, or mid back
- Lumbar spine, or low back
- Sacrum
Supporting your spine are a host of secondary players, including your:
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
Altogether, these components provide support for your body and enable movement and range of motion. Your spine also plays a crucial role in providing passage for your spinal cord, allowing nerves to reach every corner of your body.
What causes back pain?
Given its central role in your body, there are a number of causes of back pain, including
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis
- Compression fractures
While some causes of back pain are beyond your control, such as skeletal irregularities and degenerative diseases, other conditions can be influenced by your:
- Weight
- Age
- Inactivity (lack of muscle)
- Improper usage, such as lifting something badly
Often, these risk factors can speed up degenerative diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
How is back pain treated?
There’s no blanket answer to this question since it depends entirely upon your diagnosis. The team at Peninsula Orthopedic Associates first assesses your back pain using the latest diagnostic tools, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, in order to identify the source of your pain.
Once they’re armed with a diagnosis, they sit down with you to come up with a treatment plan that best fits your situation and your goals. This plan may include:
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural injections
- Bracing
- Rest
- Activity modifications
Your doctor starts out conservatively and only becomes more aggressive if your back pain resists treatment. If your back pain becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend a surgical option.
The bottom line is that your doctor works with you using every tool available to help you find relief from debilitating back pain. To learn more, call Peninsula Orthopedic Associates or use the online scheduler to book a consultation.