Spine Surgeons conducting surgery for Back Pain

HOW BACK PAIN AFFECTS ME

 

Back Pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek medical help and then miss work.  It is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Scoliosis Quiz on the Lipoma page
Pain Quiz on the Lipoma page

3 percent of individuals with progressive curvature may eventually experience severe problems that can include scoliosis and back pain, spinal problems, and nerve compression causing numbness, weakness, and leg pain.

How will Back Pain Affect Me?

Back PainFor most people, low back pain is just a minor annoyance that appears once in a while, lasts a few days, and then goes away. For others, there is no relief from the discomfort. When pain becomes chronic, it becomes more than just a physical sensation. It may impact your feelings as well. Pain can become a black hole for all of life’s disruptions. Everything is being blamed on this condition and everything would improve if the pain went away. Chronic back pain, defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, can make a person more vulnerable to emotional changes such as depression and anxiety.

Living with chronic back pain can also have an impact on one’s personal relationships. Pain can cause physical limitations, making it more likely that a person will stay at home rather than go out. Chronic back pain patients must not only deal with physical pain but also with psychological side effects. When everything is added up, pain can overwhelm a patient.  At this point, doctors, surgeons, family, and friends can help. Your doctor can help you create a plan to manage your pain, improve your mood, and improve your quality of life

Chronic Back Pain – Short-Term Pain

If your back pain is severe, it is likely that it began suddenly. Stress, strenuous exercise, an awkward movement, or incorrect lifting can all contribute to it being acute. This condition is often categorized as acute. Acute back discomfort often subsides within six weeks. In most cases, the underlying cause of the discomfort is not a serious or long-term issue.

Long-Term Pain – Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain, on the other hand, can be life-threatening. Chronic back pain is serious because the symptoms are severe enough to have a long-term impact on your health, mobility, and quality of life. While chronic back pain can attack unexpectedly, it usually develops gradually and lasts for more than six weeks. Chronic back pain can also be recurrent, which means it will go away after a while return.

Questions and Answers

What could be causing my back pain?

This question often arises when individuals experience back pain and are unsure of the underlying cause. Back pain can stem from various factors, including muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, poor posture, or even underlying medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes of back pain is important for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your symptoms, medical history, and perform any necessary examinations or tests to determine the cause of your back pain.

How can I alleviate or manage my back pain?

Many individuals seek ways to alleviate or manage their back pain. The answer to this question may involve a combination of approaches. Common strategies for managing back pain include:

  • Rest and gentle stretching: Taking short periods of rest and engaging in gentle stretching exercises can help relieve muscle tension and promote flexibility.
  • Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can provide temporary relief. Prescription medications may be recommended for more severe cases.
  • Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and develop a tailored exercise program.
  • Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Making changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, using proper body mechanics during activities, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help manage back pain.
When should I seek medical attention for my back pain?

Determining when to seek medical attention for back pain is crucial. While mild back pain can often resolve with self-care, there are instances where professional evaluation is necessary. It is recommended to seek medical attention if:

  • The pain is severe, persistent, or worsening.
  • Back pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the legs, difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, or unexplained weight loss.
  • The pain follows a traumatic injury or fall.
  • Back pain persists beyond a few weeks or hampers your daily activities and quality of life.

The Impact of Back Pain on One’s Quality of Life

Catastrophizing is a tendency that some people with lower back pain have where they magnify their pain until it explodes into something far more profound than it is. Assume you’ve been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease by your doctor. When you catastrophize, you envision a variety of scenarios. You envision your back becoming so incapacitated and painful that you are forced to quit your job and stay at home. You even imagine yourself in a wheelchair in the future. The physical and emotional toll of chronic back pain causes nearly one-third of those who suffer from it to develop clinical depression.

Around 75% of people being treated for depression report physical symptoms such as pain. If discomfort can cause emotional distress, so can the opposite. The more difficulty you have dealing with stress, the more likely it is that you will experience pain. In one small study, patients who were depressed or had chronic back pain (not in the lower back) were three times more likely to develop lower back pain than those with better coping skills.

  • Sleep is affected.
  • Limited mobility.
  • Impairs the ability to exercise.
  • Affects appetite.
  • Difficulty with household chores.
  • Inability to engage in social and community activities – social functions
  • A person becomes irritable and depressed.
  • Even cognitive function is impacted (thinking, reasoning, concentrating on a job, memory).

Relationships

Many people underestimate the impact chronic back pain has on relationships. As a result of the pain and other emotional side effects associated with chronic back pain, sufferers tend to withdraw and avoid social gatherings. Friends may become emotionally distant because they do not understand the physical and emotional turmoil that those suffering from chronic back pain go through. Family dynamics can also shift. If chronic pain is interfering with your relationships, it’s time to consult with a doctor about pain management or surgical options. Living with chronic back pain can feel hopeless, but you don’t have to suffer. Contact Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute today if your chronic pain is interfering with your quality of life. The Institute’s team will tailor a comprehensive pain-management plan with a team of renowned physicians and pain-management specialists to minimize the effects of chronic pain.

Low Self-Esteem

When your physical movement is restricted, you may experience psychological distress, which can worsen the pain. Personal health beliefs and coping strategies can have an impact on both your level of distress and the course of your pain. For example, if you are anxious, expect the worst, and have catastrophic thinking, this can worsen the discomfort significantly. Because psychological vulnerabilities can change your brain and intensify the pain.

Chronic back pain can disrupt your life and make it difficult to complete daily tasks and do the things you enjoy. As a result of these limitations, sufferers frequently have low self-esteem. If you have low self-esteem as a result of chronic pain, you should try to change your mindset right away. While it may appear like a difficult task, understanding your worth is critical. Your personality is not characterized by persistent back discomfort. If low self-esteem continues as an issue, therapy and support groups can help.

Depression and Mood Swings

Chronic back pain can be emotionally draining for sufferers over time. Constantly dealing with pain and the stress of not knowing when it will go away can lead to serious emotional problems. Some of the emotional side effects of chronic pain include depression, rage, anxiety, and mood swings. While some emotional pain is normal, if the problems persist, it’s time to take action. If you can do so without pain, try to distract yourself by doing things you enjoy. Exploring stress-relieving activities can help those with pain. If the discomfort persists, think about joining a support group—many people find relief by talking about their problems with others who understand.

Chronic Back Pain and Blood Pressure

Finding an effective pain management treatment is critical for patients with severe back pain.  In most cases, doctors can reduce and stop the pain.  This will improve the overall quality of life, and it may also be critical to cardiovascular health. According to medical researchers, there is a link between chronic back pain and hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This means that if you suffer from chronic back pain, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure and other cardiovascular health problems.

Many patients attempt to treat acute back pain on their own. However, if you have not spoken with an orthopedic doctor about pain treatments, you may be putting yourself at risk for more serious health problems. Don’t put up with pain any longer than you have to. By speaking with our specialists, we will devise a treatment plan to address your pain, thereby preventing the development of hypertension.

What if Lower Back Pain is Shooting into the Legs

From its source, lower pain in the back can travel up or down the body to other areas. It’s normal for lower pain to only affect one side of the back. Sciatica (nerve pain) can occur when pain radiates from the lower back into one or both legs, but this is not always the case. Many parts of the lower back, such as facet joints, sacroiliac joints, muscles, or bursa inflammation, can cause pain to radiate into the legs.

Chronic Lower Back Pain Could Indicate Cancer

Cancer can cause pain. In fact, when prostate cancer metastasizes and causes lesions, it is one of the first symptoms. Almost any cancer can spread to the back, and some, such as sarcoma, can start there. Be cautious, especially if you have other symptoms in addition to lower back pain. If you have any additional symptoms or concerns, consult your doctor.

Chronic Lower Back Pain can be A Sign of Kidney Pain

Because your kidneys are on the backside of your body, kidney pain can sometimes feel like back pain. The only way to tell the difference is to go to a doctor and have a thorough examination. It is critical to keep your mind as well as your body active.” We all know how important distraction is. When you’re alone with your pain and the four walls, your discomfort can appear quite large. Keeping your mind busy can help people cope with the condition.” To take your mind off your aches, spend time with friends, go to the movies or a show, or go for a walk outside.

Why Choose Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Specialists

Orthopedics and the spine are the specialties of our doctors and surgeons at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute. They understand your concerns, can answer your questions regarding your condition, and know how to use their specialized knowledge to assist you.  Doctors Richard Hostin, MDDevesh Ramnath, MDIshaq Syed, MDShyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, have many years of training and experience in Spine and Chronic Back Pain for kids, adolescents, young adults, and seniors and can help people of all ages get back to living the life they love.

The following are just a few of the many reasons why patients might choose Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute.
  • Expertise in the spine: The team of specialists at Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is comprised of spine experts.  They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, ensuring the best possible care for their patients.
  • Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.  In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce chronic back pain and promote faster recovery.
  • Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery.  We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their spinal conditions.
  • Dedicated facilities: Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is dedicated to providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Offices in DallasPlano, and Frisco, Texas.

Finally, our board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the full range of treatments to treat their spine patients. Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute offers cutting-edge technology, comprehensive care, and dedicated facilities to ensure the best possible care for their patients. Get in touch with us today at (214) 556-0555 to schedule an appointment.

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National Institute of Health: Overview of Back Pain

 

We’re here to help STOP THE PAIN
If you are an adult living with scoliosis or have a child with this condition and need a doctor who specializes in orthopedic surgery,
call the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute at 214-556-0555 to make an appointment today.