Back pain is a common health condition that affects approximately 80% of people living in the United States at some point in their lives.
Although back pain can occur at any age, incidents are more common in people 35 years old and older. This may be due to the degeneration of the bones and discs in our spine over time.
Contributors to back pain can vary by circumstance or by preexisting health conditions such as:
- Obesity
- Injury
- Pregnancy
- Arthritis
- Improper lifting
- Osteoporosis
- Occupation
Back pain may be caused when there is muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs or skeletal irregularities.
Back pain can be mild or severe. Symptoms may include a stabbing pain, muscle ache, pain that radiates down your leg or limited flexibility.
If these symptoms are continuous or become unbearable, it is advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will assess your level of pain, your range in mobility and investigate possible causes for your pain. He or she may perform X rays, nerve studies, MRI or CT scans, bone scans or blood tests to help diagnose and treat the problem. Treatment may include medication, applying heat or ice compresses, physical therapy or surgery.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Center offers an Interventional Pain Management Practice, to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7246.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.