Understanding and Managing Back Pain

Common Injuries:

1. Herniated Discs: Occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
2. Muscle Strains: Result from overstretching or tearing muscles or tendons in the back, often due to lifting heavy objects or sudden movements.
3. Sciatica: Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. It's usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur.

Common Solutions:

1. Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
2. Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or prescribed medications for more severe pain.
3. Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in specific areas of the back.
4. Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like discectomy or spinal fusion may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function.

Back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but effective treatments are available. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive care to manage and alleviate back pain. Visit gardenstatepain.com to book your appointment today and read more helpful blogs like this. Our locations in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, West Orange, and Hazlet are ready to serve you.