Back Pain

For most people, back pain resolves over time. But when you have chronic back pain, you need expert care from board-certified anesthesiology and pain medicine physician Bradley Silva, MD, at Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The interventional pain management practice takes a multidisciplinary approach to back pain, creating treatment plans focusing on you, not your pain. Call the office or schedule your back pain consultation online today. 

Why is back pain so common?

Back pain is common because of the structure and function of your back. Your spine comprises a series of bones, each separated by an intervertebral disc. These bones, called vertebrae, protect your spinal cord, serve as an exit for spinal nerves, and allow you to twist and bend your upper body.

Your spine is supported by muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. Because of the complex nature of your spine and the amount of stress it endures regularly, it is prone to injuries and degenerative conditions that cause pain.

In most people, back pain is acute, lasting a few days or weeks. However, some people have chronic back pain lasting more than three months. Though back pain may affect any part of the back, low back pain is more common.

What causes back pain?

You may have back pain from any number of causes. Most back pain occurs from a mechanical issue that involves the structure of the back or spine. Common causes of back pain include:

• Sprains and strains
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
• Sciatica
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Arthritis
• Spinal fractures
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)

FBSS is back pain that continues or recurs after back surgery. 

I have intermittent back pain. Should I seek pain management?

If your back pain is chronic, even if it comes and goes, and affects your quality of life, you should consult with the interventional pain management specialists at Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center.

They understand the distress chronic pain causes and create plans that consider your whole health. Your provider asks detailed questions about your back pain and how it affects your daily life. They ask about your goals and expectations from pain management and perform a physical exam.

They may also request imaging studies to confirm or rule out the cause of your back pain.

What treatments can help alleviate back pain?

Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center customizes back pain care, taking a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment may include:

• Medication management
• Physical therapy
• Interventional pain procedures (epidural injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation)
• Surgery
• Psychotherapy

Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite. 

Don’t let your back pain keep you from living your life. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.