Back pain is a leading cause of disability across the globe and one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Shail Vyas, MD, provides surgical and nonsurgical interventions for back pain at Orange County Orthopaedic Group in Anaheim Hills, California. To find relief from back pain in a timely manner, call today.

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What is back pain?

You’ve probably experienced back pain at some point in your life. Most people do at least once. Back pain varies widely in type and severity, ranging from a sharp, stabbing pain to a dull ache. Some types of back pain become worse with certain activities, like walking or bending over to pick something up.

Most of the time, back pain goes away within a few weeks with simple home treatments like heat, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If your back pain persists or worsens despite home care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Vyas at Orange County Orthopaedic Group.

What causes back pain?

Dr. Vyas treats several problems that cause back pain, including:

Muscle strain

Back pain that comes on suddenly is usually the result of a muscle or ligament strain. You can strain your back muscles and spinal ligaments during a fall or repeated heavy lifting.

Bulging discs 

If you have back pain that develops gradually without a clear cause, it may be a sign of a bulging or ruptured disc. Spinal discs are pads of cartilage that act as cushions in between your back bones. 

A bulging or ruptured disc happens when some of the soft, gel-like material from inside the disc leaks through a weak spot in the outer layer. If a bulging disc presses on a spinal nerve, back pain may result. 

Arthritis

The most common type of arthritis to affect your spine is osteoarthritis. In some cases, arthritis can cause the space around your spinal cord to narrow. This condition is called spinal stenosis. 

How is back pain treated?

First, Dr. Vyas reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. He may also take tests like an X-ray to check for fractures and arthritis or a nerve study to find out if you have a pinched nerve.

Then, he recommends the best course of treatment for your particular type of back pain. Most cases of back pain improve with nonsurgical treatments, including:

  • Pain-relieving medications
  • Steroid injections
  • Trigger point injections
  • Physical therapy and exercise

If you have unrelenting back pain caused by a bulging disc or spinal stenosis, you may be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Vyas is a highly trained arthroscopic surgeon who performs minimally invasive spinal surgery.

For expert care of back pain, call Orange County Orthopaedic Group to book an appointment today.