Back Pain

Back pain can result from sudden trauma from an accident or through other underlying conditions. Spasm of the back muscles can occur after a minor ligament sprain caused by a sudden pull or bending move in the back. Stress can be a cause of back spasms, some people respond to emotional stress by tensing the muscles in their back.

These pains include pain located throughout the entire back and the lower back with sciatica. Common reasons for back pain are nerve muscular problems, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 80% of all Americans will have pain in the lower back at least once in their lives. According to Medical Experts the occurrence of pain located in the back is related to the way your bones, muscles and ligaments in your back work and attach.

Home Care

  • - Rest and relax your back muscles.

  • - Try and find a comfortable position that relives the pain

  • - Apply heat

  • - Light and Gentle massaging

  • - Apply Ice

  • - Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen

When pain lasts longer than six months, it is called “chronic pain”. It may be present even after the body has healed. Chronic pain has both a physical and a psychological component. It may cause low self-esteem, depression and irritability. And it can interfere with daily activities. Chronic pain is treated with a combination of medicines, therapy and lifestyle changes.

Prevent Back Pain

  • - Rest and relax your back muscles.

  • - Try and find a comfortable position that relives the pain

  • - Apply heat

  • - Light and Gentle massaging

  • - Apply Ice

  • - Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen

When pain lasts longer than six months, it is called “chronic pain”. It may be present even after the body has healed. Chronic pain has both a physical and a psychological component. It may cause low self-esteem, depression and irritability. And it can interfere with daily activities. Chronic pain is treated with a combination of medicines, therapy and lifestyle changes.

Conditions Associated with Back Pain

  • Cancer Pain
  • Discogenic Back Pain
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Herniated Disc
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica
  • SI Joint Dysfunction
  • Spinal Compression Fracture
  • Spinal Stenosis

Common Treatments for Back Pain

  • Epidural Nerve Block
  • Facet Joint Injections
  • Medial Branch Block
  • Medication Management
  • Radiofrequency Neuroablation
  • Rehabilitation
  • SI Joint Injections
  • Trigger Point Injections

Back Pain FAQs

Many symptoms may indicate a medical emergency, such as a torn muscle or ligament. These symptoms include-

  • Pain, discomfort, weakness, or numbness that appears suddenly
  • Bladder functioning loss
  • Accompanied by a high fever
  • Severe stomach ache
  • Unexpected weight reduction
  • Persistent pain for a few weeks
  • Not improving with rest
  • Pain is spreading to below the knee joint
  • Numbness and tingling sensation in legs

Back pain may often occur without apparent reason, and muscle or ligament stretch is the most common culprit. The back muscles and the spine's ligaments can be strained by repeated heavy lifting or sudden, uncomfortable movements. Constant back strain can cause severe muscle spasms in individuals.

Your back condition may require surgery or can be treated conservatively. It's important to see a spine specialist for diagnosis and treatment. The spine center specialists in nerve, muscle and bone disorders, nurses and physical therapists may treat symptoms and limit the chances of recurrence.

Whether back pain requires surgery or is manageable with conservative treatment, it's important to see a spine specialist for diagnosis and care. Consult experts in nerve, muscle, and bone conditions, as well as nurses and physical therapists who work closely with patients to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence. We advise you to rest, use ice packs, and, if required, take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs to treat back sprains and strains at home.

Discomfort in the mid-back can be caused by repeated pressure on the spine. Under certain circumstances, poor posture can contribute to this pressure. When you bend over, your back muscles and ligaments work harder to keep your balance. Overuse of these muscles can lead to mid-back pain. The other underlying cause may be obesity, Injury, muscle pull, age, and osteoarthritis.

The most common cause of upper back pain is a sprain in the back. Lifting objects that are too heavy or unsafe can damage muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Lack of exercise or sitting for long periods with bad posture can also cause structural abnormalities in your back and neck. Muscles can weaken and decondition over time.

Patient Testimonials

  • The care they give is amazing. The front desk gals are so friendly and helpful assisting with anything I've asked. My PA Nathan is very knowledgeable, personable and has been amazing in assisting me with my pain issue's along with other problems. I would and do recommend them to my friends and family.

    SanDee Rhett Avatar SanDee Rhett
    February 16, 2024

    I've been very impressed with the care Emily and her MA Laicy has given me. From the beginning Emily has done everything that she can to see that I go in the right direction for the pain that I've been in. I'm so grateful for my knee injections. I'm starting to feel like a normal person. I will continue recommending Spine Team.

    Kathleen Hartshorn Avatar Kathleen Hartshorn
    November 19, 2023

    Always helpful and great to see. Once again they came through for me with amazing help! I couldn't leave another 5 star review so I would like to add and just let everyone know how amazing Emily M. and Melissa F. are! The reception are always so friendly and helpful, everyone I've had contact with have always been incredible and positive and make every visit great! I referring to the North side location, as I've never been to the other one, they know how to hire the right people!

    Brandon K Avatar Brandon K
    January 19, 2024
  • I recently had a visit and hip injection by Dr. Sneddon. He is brilliant. Very nice man who figured out a problem I didn't even know I had. Would recommend to anyone. The team is also very pleasant and professional.

    Becky Leighton Avatar Becky Leighton
    February 5, 2024

    Kellie is a knowledgeable and effective therapist for physical pain. She not only diminishes alot of the pain at the visit but she has so much information on any specific part of my body that we are working on at the time that I get educated which helps me understand. She is a positive person. She has an upbeat and outgoing personality. I always look forward to seeing her. She is definitely a bright spot in my day! And...my pain is always better the day she treats me. Win -win.

    Jillybean Avatar Jillybean
    November 19, 2023

    I want to comment on my visits to see Emily and Laicy at the north office; they are so professional and caring! I feel so comfortable with talking to them about the issues I may have at the time and know that when I leave my appointment that we have gone over everything with answers. It is a great feeling that when you walk in the receptionist are so kind and easy going and to go to your appointment and you have the most upbeat and professional healthcare; it just makes your day!

    Brenda B Kastelein Avatar Brenda B Kastelein
    November 19, 2023
  • I have have been going to Spine Team for 2 1/2 years. I cannot say enough good things about Emily and Laicy. They know me know my case and are so helpful with anything I need. Even though I have moved farther south in Idaho I will still continue to keep my care with them Thank you

    Candi Rosco Avatar Candi Rosco
    November 19, 2023

    I have been a patient with Spine Team for about the last two years and have to say they are number one! Dr. Emily has been a great listener and really pays special attention to my needs also the other team members Angel and Laicy do a fine job of keeping my appointments on time and checking me in. Life is a journey and not a destination and with the help Spine Team North my quality of life has improved greatly.

    ryan kunz Avatar ryan kunz
    December 19, 2023

    Emily and Laicy @ Spokane Spine Team are great!! All the staff are wonderful! I love working with Emily. She is such a caring and compassionate Doctor and is always trying to find ways to get rid of my pain or make it more manageable. And great big THANK YOU to everyone, especially Emily, at Spokane Spine Team, for all that you do for everyone!! 😊❤️

    MARGIEANN PENNINGTON Avatar MARGIEANN PENNINGTON
    November 19, 2023