Back Pain
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Phoenician Pain & Rehabilitation Center
Pain Management serving Chandler, AZ, Mesa, AZ & Gilbert AZ
As many as 31 million Americans will experience back pain at any given time. You may have chronic pain due to a disc or joint problem, or pain that results because of an irritated nerve route. Shimul Sahai, MD, of Phoenician Pain & Rehabilitation Center in Chandler, Arizona, offers relief with medications, injections, and physical therapy. Call the office, or book an appointment online to learn more about the available treatment options to relieve your back pain.
Back Pain Q & A
What causes back pain?
A muscle sprain or strain may cause short-term low back pain. These injuries can resolve on their own after conservative treatment that includes rest and over-the-counter pain medications. Long-term pain that persists, however, could be caused by a more serious issue that deserves attention from Dr. Sahai.
Common causes of back pain include:
- Spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal narrows and irritates nerves
- Herniated disc, in which the cushy discs between your bones leak out fluid to irritate nearby nerves
- Degenerative disc disease, which describes dehydrated and deteriorated discs
- Spondylolisthesis, which happens when one vertebra slips over another
- Osteoarthritis, or degeneration of the joints in the back
Dr. Sahai can evaluate your pain and do a comprehensive exam to narrow down the reason for your back pain. She then offers a customized treatment plan to help you find relief.
How does the SI joint affect back pain?
Your sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, contributes to 15-30% of back pain. This joint connects your hip bones to the sacrum in your lower back. It cushions the space between the upper body and your pelvis. If you have too little, or too much, mobility in this joint, your back experiences muscle tension and pain. SI pain can lead to sciatica-like symptoms, including radiating pain down your leg and tingling or numbness. Physical therapy, massage, and injections can offer relief.
How is low back pain treated?
Depending on your condition, Dr. Sahai may first recommend conservative treatments for low back pain, including rest, heat/ice therapy, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. If these fail to relieve your pain, you may benefit from physical therapy, massage, and neuromuscular stimulation. Prescription pain medications and injections are other possible therapies.
Injections include epidural injections that deliver a steroid directly to the inflamed area and nerve blocks that deliver a numbing medication, commonly lidocaine, to an area of pain. Injections usually offer near immediate relief and give you a chance to pursue physical therapy for long term pain resolution.
To learn how you can find a resolution to the back pain affecting your quality of life, call the office, or schedule an appointment using the online tool.
