Back Pain

About 75-85% of people experience back pain at least once in their life, and half of them have more than one episode within a year. At Ogiso Health, primary care physician Olatunde Oso, MD, MSPH, diagnoses and treats back pain in people of all ages in Nashville, Tennessee. For conservative care of back pain, call the office or request an appointment online.

What is back pain?

Your back consists of many tissues, including ligaments, muscles, nerves, and bones (vertebrae). Discs are pads of cartilage that act as cushions between the bones of your spinal column. Back pain can be due to a problem with any of these structures.

Back pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning, or stabbing sensation. You may experience back pain regularly throughout the day, or it may occur intermittently. Some types of back pain, like sciatica, can travel from your back into the buttocks, hips, or legs.

What are some common causes of back pain?

Most back pain results from a problem with your spine, muscles, intervertebral discs, or nerves. Dr. Oso treats a broad range of conditions that can cause back pain, including:

• Muscle strains and ligament sprains
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis
• Nerve compression, such as sciatica

Lifting something heavy or experiencing a traumatic injury from a fall or sports or car accident can cause damage that leads to back pain.

When should I see a doctor for back pain?

Back pain is a common problem, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure it. Call Dr. Oso if your back pain is severe or if home treatments like heat, ice, and over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen don’t help.

You should also seek treatment if your back pain occurs with other symptoms, like numbness or tingling in your shoulders, hips, arms, or legs.

How is back pain diagnosed?

First, Dr. Oso performs a thorough orthopedic exam, including evaluating your back and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. He may also take imaging tests, like an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to confirm or rule out conditions that may be causing your back pain.

How is back pain treated?

After he diagnoses your back pain, Dr. Oso recommends the most effective course of treatment. Nonsurgical treatment for back pain may include:

• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle changes like weight loss
• Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Cortisone injections
• Activity modification
  

For relief of back pain, call Dr. Oso at Ogiso Health or request an appointment online.