Back Pain

At Campbell Clinic, our various Memphis-based locations have high-quality back pain doctors and spine specialists who will diagnose your back pain or spine issues and will provide you with either nonsurgical or surgical solutions to help you heal. 

Let’s look at some information about back pain.

What is back pain?

Back pain is defined as a physical discomfort occurring anywhere on the spine or back and the discomfort or pain can range from mild to excruciating. Also, back pain can range from a variety of discomfort, from a muscle aching to a stabbing, shooting or burning sensation. Sometimes, back pain can also shoot all of the way down the legs or the buttocks region. 

What are some of the common causes of back pain?

Back pain can be brought on from a variety of reasons, which include but are not limited to:

  • Overusing your back by lifting too much weight or working out
  • Prolonged sitting or lying down 
  • Sleeping in an uncomfortable position for too long 
  • Poor posture or excess weight 
  • Osteoporosis 
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Arthritis 
  • Inflammation due to a previous injury or disease 
  • Herniated or ruptured discs; degenerative disc disease 

What happens internally when you have back pain?
The vast majority of back pain is caused by straining or irritating the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) in the back. Muscle spasms in the back may also cause back pain. Spasms, in particular, may cause debilitating pain that is variable and inconsistent – ranging from being barely sensible to excruciating in nature. The tendons and ligaments of the spine may also become inflamed or irritated as a result of overuse or injury.

What are some of the common signs or symptoms of back pain?

  • Debilitating pain that is only relieved through rest
  • Dull achiness
  • Shooting or radiating pain up and down the spine
  • Pain that is unpredictable and “flares up” in waves or at certain times of the day
  • Pain that is aggravated even during basic movement or sleep

How is back pain treated?

There are various ways to treat back pain or spinal pain. First, it is important to strengthen and treat the affected muscles or tendons to help relieve symptoms of back pain. Second, depending on the intensity of your back pain, physical therapy treatment can help, especially strengthening exercises, electric muscle stimulation, and alternating applications of heat and ice. Third, anti-inflammatory and relaxant medications may also help relieve symptoms. Lastly, surgery is generally not necessary to treat pain in the back that is not associated with spinal disease or injury.

Additionally, counterintuitive to common logic, extended periods of rest and inactivity do not typically help resolve chronic back pain. It is important to make the muscles stronger and remain active. 

However, it is important to get your back pain checked out by a physician. At Campbell Clinic, we have spine surgeons and nonsurgical spine specialists on staff to figure out what the best solution is for you and your needs.

Interested in scheduling an appointment to help with your back pain?

At Campbell Clinic, we take pride in having some of the world’s best orthopaedic, back pain, and spine specialists, especially right here in Memphis. To learn more about our back and spine services, visit our services and specialties webpage. Get rid of your back pain by scheduling an appointment with us today!

For appointments call
901-759-3111