Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain can be a debilitating symptom with the potential of spreading throughout the rest of the body. There are a number of problems that can cause pain in the upper, mid and lower back. Irritation of the nerve pathway may also trigger pain in the shoulders, neck and other parts of the body.

Both men and women are equally affected by back pain, which can range from dull & constant pain to a sudden sharp or stabbing sensation. Back pain can be triggered by an accident or as a result of lifting something heavy. The symptoms can develop overtime and begin to effect the spine.

Chronic back pain is pain that has remained for more than 12 weeks. Roughly 20% of people who complain of back pain develop chronic pain.

Chronic Back Pain Symptoms:

• Pain that radiates down into the shoulders
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Trouble with lifting objects
• Problems with walking and balance
• Stiff neck
• Sharp pain in at least one spot
• Soreness or tenderness

What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

• Sprains and strains
• Disc degeneration
• Herniated or ruptured discs
• Radiculopathy
• Sciatica
• Spondylolisthesis
• Injures such as a car accident or sports injury
• Spinal stenosis
• Skeletal irregularities
• Infections
• Tumors
• Osteoporosis
• Fibrillation
• Arthritis 

Top 3 Chronic Back Pain Treatment Options at Apex:

Epidural steroid injections

Research on the outcomes of epidural steroid injections for chronic neck pain is limited. A review by independent experts systematically searched the professional literature for research supporting the use of epidural steroid injections for chronic neck pain. They found one published, clinical trial, which they judged to be of low quality. It showed a modest benefit.

Lumbar & Thoracic Facet Injections

A cervical, thoracic or lumbar facet joint injection involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic (numbing agent) and/or steroid medication, which can anesthetize the facet joints and block the pain. The pain relief from a facet joint injection is intended to help a patient better tolerate a physical therapy routine to rehabilitate his or her injury or back condition.

Medial Branch Block

A medial branch block is an injection of a strong local anesthetic on the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. The facet joints, also known as the zygapophysial joints, are part of the bony framework of the spine. They are small bony projections from one vertebra meeting with similar bony projections from the vertebra above or below. Sometimes, due to a variety of acute and chronic conditions, the facet joints can become inflamed. For lower back (lumbar) facet joints, the pattern of pain is usually an achiness in the low back, radiating across the lower back and slightly down the back of the buttocks and upper thighs. Usually, standing or bending backward worsens the pain. For neck (cervical) facet joints, the pattern of pain is an achiness in the neck, slight radiation across the neck and shoulders, and worsening symptoms with turning the head from side to side or looking up.