Understanding Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
June 18, 2025
Dr. Oberlander frequently works with patients who are experiencing back pain in all its forms. From sudden, sharp pain to chronic discomfort that limits mobility, back pain can interfere with daily activities and reduce your quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or a long-standing issue, understanding the cause of your back pain is the first step in finding the right treatment and relief.
Back pain refers to any discomfort in the area of the spine, which can include the muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves in the back. Pain can arise in the upper back, middle back, or lower back. Back pain may result from injury, muscle strain, degenerative conditions, or issues with the spine itself. It can be classified into two categories:
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or a long-standing issue, understanding the cause of your back pain is the first step in finding the right treatment and relief.
Back pain refers to any discomfort in the area of the spine, which can include the muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves in the back. Pain can arise in the upper back, middle back, or lower back. Back pain may result from injury, muscle strain, degenerative conditions, or issues with the spine itself. It can be classified into two categories:
- Acute Back Pain: This type of pain starts suddenly, often after an injury or lifting something improperly. Acute pain typically lasts for a short period, from a few days to weeks, but can become more severe if not addressed properly.
- Chronic Back Pain: Chronic back pain persists for months or even years, often due to conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease. The pain is often continuous and can significantly impact daily life.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, both temporary and long-term. Common causes include:
- Muscle Strains: Overstretching or lifting heavy objects can lead to strained back muscles.
- Herniated Discs: A disc in the spine that bulges out and presses on nerves can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the joints of the spine.
- Sciatica: Often caused by a herniated disc, sciatica is a type of nerve pain that radiates down the lower back and legs.
Each case of back pain is unique, and understanding the root cause is essential in determining the best course of treatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Back Pain
The symptoms of back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the underlying issue. Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Radiating Pain: Pain that moves from your back into the legs or arms.
- Tingling or Numbness: A sensation of “pins and needles” in the legs, feet, or arms, often a sign of nerve involvement.
- Muscle Weakness: Difficulty in moving or using certain muscles due to weakness or loss of coordination.
- Pain with Movement: Pain that worsens when bending, twisting, or lifting.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist for more than a few days, it's essential to seek professional care. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to chronic pain and more severe issues.
Treatment Options for Back Pain
Dr. Oberlander emphasizes that non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense for back pain. Starting with conservative methods can help reduce symptoms and prevent the need for surgery. These treatments include:
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises that strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
- Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or stronger prescriptions to reduce pain and swelling.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Injections that directly target inflammation in the spinal area to provide pain relief.
- Posture & Lifestyle Modifications: Adjusting your sitting, standing, and lifting habits to prevent strain on your back.
When Is Surgery Needed?
If conservative treatments fail after several weeks or months, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Oberlander specializes in minimally invasive spinal procedures, which use smaller incisions and lead to quicker recovery times. Some surgical options include:
If conservative treatments fail after several weeks or months, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Oberlander specializes in minimally invasive spinal procedures, which use smaller incisions and lead to quicker recovery times. Some surgical options include:
- Microdiscectomy: Removing part of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Laminectomy: Enlarging the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal Fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage.
Minimally invasive techniques like robotic-assisted spine surgery can help minimize tissue damage and reduce recovery time, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
Tips for Preventing Back Pain
While it’s not always possible to avoid back pain entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing it. Dr. Oberlander recommends:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain your back, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Exercise Regularly: Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can help prevent injury.
- Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Always bend at the knees, not at the waist, when lifting heavy objects.
- Correct Your Posture: Sit and stand with your spine aligned to avoid unnecessary stress on your back.
Sciatica and Back Pain
Sciatica is a common cause of lower back pain, especially in cases where a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back down the legs, along with tingling or numbness. Dr. Oberlander is experienced in diagnosing and treating sciatica, and often recommends a combination of physical therapy, injections, and, if necessary, surgery to provide relief.
Act Before the Pain Gets Worse
Back pain is a prevalent condition that affects people of all ages. Whether it’s the result of an injury or a chronic condition, there are effective treatment options available. Dr. Oberlander’s expertise in diagnosing and treating back pain, including advanced minimally invasive spine surgery, ensures that patients receive the best care possible. As the team neurosurgeon for LSU Athletics from 2012 to 2022, he has a decade of trusted experience helping athletes and patients alike return to peak performance.
If you’re dealing with back pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule a consultation today to learn how Dr. Oberlander can help you find relief and get back to a pain-free life.