Understanding Back Pain: A Patient-Friendly Guide by Dr. Ed Rubin, MD
What is Back Pain?
Back pain, as its name suggests, is discomfort that can be felt in the back area. It can vary from being a mild annoyance to a severe hindrance, sometimes even immobilizing you. The pain can present itself in different ways: it could be a constant dull ache or a sudden, sharp jolt. Back pain can make certain movements and positions painful and restrict your mobility. This can seriously interfere with your daily routine and quality of life.
The good news is that most back pain is a result of soft tissue injury, which is usually quite treatable and rarely requires surgery. If you’re experiencing back pain, know that there are effective treatments available, many of which are offered by Dr. Ed Rubin and his team at the Pain Management practice.
What are the Symptoms of Back Pain?
Back pain symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Pain with movement
- Difficulty moving
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Dull or aching sensation
- Inability to stand up straight
- A decreased range of motion
- Inability to flex the back
It’s important to note that if your back pain persists for more than three months, it is considered chronic. Chronic back pain, even if it’s not as painful as an acute episode, might be a sign of a more serious spinal problem. It’s crucial to understand that the level of pain doesn’t always match the severity of the injury.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms along with your back pain:
- Back pain after an injury, such as a fall
- Sudden, severe, or disabling back pain
- Pain that travels into the arms and/or legs
- Numbness, tingling sensations, or weakness in the legs
- Numbness and/or tingling in the buttock and/or genital area
- Back pain accompanied by fever
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can be caused by a myriad of factors. These could include work-related accidents, sports injuries, poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or just the natural wear and tear that comes with age. The lumbar spine, which is your body’s primary weight-bearing structure, is particularly susceptible to injury due to these factors.
Additionally, conditions unrelated to overuse, injury, or lifestyle can also lead to back pain. Bone diseases like osteoporosis, metastatic cancer, degenerative spine disorders, and various other conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and vertebral compression fractures can all cause stiffness and pain.
How Dr. Ed Rubin Can Help
As a specialist in interventional pain management, Dr. Ed Rubin, along with his team, is equipped to treat patients suffering from both acute and chronic back pain. Board certified in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Dr. Rubin specializes in the treatment of chronic pain of the low back and neck. He also collaborates with an expert team of orthopedic surgeons in managing pain in the joints and spine.
At Dr. Rubin’s Long Island Pain Management office, the focus is on relieving the suffering of chronic pain of every patient entrusted to their care. They are committed to creating an environment conducive to healing the whole person — physically and emotionally. They provide this healing with skill, compassion, and the highest standards of quality.
Moreover, they specializein therapies that promote faster healing, utilizing the most non-invasive and advanced pain management treatments available today. This includes specialty procedures like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Laser Pain Therapy, among others.
Take Action Today
If you’re tired of living with back pain and want a solution that’s tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Ed Rubin and his team are here to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer. Contact Dr. Ed Rubin MD today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a life free from back pain.