One common health complaint that people have is back pain. It may happen all at once after lifting a heavy object, or it may be a gradual onset as a result of daily activities. Back pain is a nuisance for some individuals. For others, it may impact their occupation, sleep, workout routine, and also their lifestyle.
The positive thing is that a lot of the reasons for back pain can be treated effectively if it is discovered in the early stages. If you know the cause of your discomfort, you can be more educated about your health and when it’s time to get medical help.
But if you are searching for a trusted Oxnard back pain clinic to treat your condition, you will learn about the most common causes of the condition, the symptoms you may experience, and the options you may have.
Understanding Back Pain
Your back is a complicated structure comprised of muscles, ligaments, discs, bones, joint and nerves. Any irritation, injury, or inflammation of these structures can lead to pain.
Back pain can be experienced in the upper back, middle back or lower back. But, lower back pain is by far the most common complaint among adults. In some instances, things get better in a few days. Others can last weeks or even months if the underlying condition is not dealt with.
Strains and injuries to ligaments.
One of the leading causes of back pain is muscle strain. This is frequently due to improper lifting technique, repetitive movements, sports or long hours working in poor posture. A strained muscle may be sore, tight or painful when moving. The pain or discomfort may worsen with bending, twisting, or standing for a long time.
Many mild strains will heal with time, stretching and correct medical advice. But if the pain does not go away, a health care professional should check it.
Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle
Here’s the thing. Today’s lifestyle puts a strain on the spine.
People spend long hours sitting at their work desk, in the car or hunching over their phone or tablet. The incorrect posture places additional strain on the muscles and joints that surround the spine and over time can lead to problems.
This can lead to:
• Chronic lower back pain
• Neck or upper back pain
• Muscle fatigue
• Reduced flexibility
Using ergonomic workstations, regular movement and preventive healthcare can help cut down on posture-related back problems.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
There are soft discs between the bones of the spine which serve as cushions. A bulging or ruptured disc can compress the adjacent nerves. This is commonly known as a herniated disc.
Symptoms may include:
• Sharp lower back pain
• Leg pain down leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
A herniated disc will usually need to be medically evaluated to decide how it should be treated.
Arthritis / Degenerative changes
With age, normal wear and tear can occur on the joints and discs of the spine. Arthritis like degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis can cause persistent back pain and stiffness. As people get older, their bodies go through changes in their spine that can become more and more severe as years go by. Treatment can help control symptoms and slow the progression with lifestyle changes, physical therapy and frequent medical check-ups if diagnosed early.
Sciatica
Sciatica is an irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The pain typically begins in the back, and then moves through the buttock and down the length of one leg.
Common symptoms include:
• Burning pain
• Tingling sensations
• Leg weakness
• Numbness
Herniated discs, narrowing of the spine and degenerative spine conditions are commonly linked to sciatica.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Certain long-term health issues may be a cause of ongoing back pain.
These may include:
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney disorders
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Obesity
But what it actually translates to is that back pain isn’t necessarily a pure muscle or back issue. A thorough medical examination may be used to rule out other health problems that might be causing symptoms.
Back Pain that requires immediate medical attention.
The back pain is not necessarily hazardous, however, there are some symptoms which should always be ignored. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should get medical attention right away:
Sudden, severe or pain.
If the pain comes on suddenly and is severe enough to hamper mobility, it could be a major injury or spinal ailment.
Numbness or Weakness
If the legs are weak, if there’s a loss of sensation in the legs or difficulty walking, it’s a sign that the nerves are involved.
Loss of bladder/bowel control.
This is a medical emergency and needs to be assessed immediately.
Fever Accompanied by Back Pain
If back pain is accompanied by fever, it could be a sign of infection.
Pain After an Accident
When it comes to falls, car accidents, sports injuries, it’s always best to have a healthcare provider assess the situation.
A doctor’s appointment should be made as soon as you notice a change in your vision.
If you should schedule a medical evaluation if:
• Pain is present for more than 2 weeks.
• There is a recurring of symptoms
• Activities of daily living (ADL) become difficult
• Pain disturbs sleep.
• Over the counter medications are no longer effective
Many people delay treatment to the last minute. An early assessment is likely to result in quicker recovery and long-term outcomes.
The first place to start when considering back pain is usually a primary care provider.
Your provider can:
Physical exam
• Inquire about your medical history
• Request diagnostic testing as necessary
• Recommend treatment options
• Ensure compliance with the school’s policy on self-referral and referral to other agencies
The primary care doctors at Buena Medical Clinic collaborate with patients to find the source of pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
If you are still in pain you can schedule a primary care appointment via our website to see you.
Back Pain Treatment Options
Treatment will be based on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
A lot of patients find that they benefit from:
Lifestyle Changes
Stress on the spine can be markedly reduced by weight management, exercise, stretching and posture improvement.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercises are used to increase mobility, build strength and decrease pain.
Medication Management
Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications may be considered if appropriate.
Chronic Care Management
For those who have continuing conditions, long-term monitoring and support may be beneficial.
Learn more about our chronic care management services to receive comprehensive care for chronic health issues.
Urgent Care for Back Pain
There are times that require a more expedient assessment than a regular appointment. If your symptoms are getting worse or are causing discomfort, head to our urgent care center to get instant evaluation and treatment. Early treatment can prevent complications and alleviate symptoms before they worsen.
It is for this reason that Oxnard residents select Buena Medical Clinic. It’s important to have a health professional that you can trust when you have chronic pain.
Buena Medical Clinic is a preferred choice for patients in Oxnard, due to our services:
• Primary health care that is customized to an individual’s specific needs and preferences.
• Access to readily available urgent health care services
• Chronic condition management
• Comprehensive patient-centered treatment
• Experienced healthcare professionals
We aim to discover the root cause of pain with our patients and find effective solutions that will promote long term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of the following is the most likely reason for low back pain?
Lower back pain is often caused by muscle strains, bad posture and repetitive movements.
When is it time to see a doctor for back pain?
If pain lasts longer than two weeks or interferes with daily activities, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Do primary care providers treat back pain?
Yes. Back pain is seen by many primary care providers who can arrange treatment plans or referrals as needed.
When is it a good idea to go to urgent care for back pain?
Urgent care may be used when pain is severe or getting worse and/or symptoms require prompt evaluation.
Are chronic illnesses a cause for back pain?
Yes. Chronic back pain can be caused by conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity and inflammatory diseases. Related Services In addition, if you have back pain, you might find these helpful:
• Primary Care Services
• Urgent Care Services
• Chronic Care Management
• Control BP
• Diabetes Care
