Back pain is one of the most common health problems in adults. Most back pain can be remedied by self-care techniques and over-the-counter and anti-inflammatory medications. When back pain persists more than three months, it is considered chronic, and more intensive treatment may be indicated.
First, the doctor needs to decide if the pain comes from bones, muscles, nerves or an organ. Imaging procedures – including X-rays, bone scans, computerized tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - can assist in finding the source of the problem. Chronic back pain is treated with a combination of medications, physical therapy, occupational or lifestyle modification, and surgery.
If non-surgical treatment is not successful, surgical procedures may be considered for some of the following conditions: herniated discs; spinal stenosis; a spinal fracture caused by an injury; a spinal infection, such as osteomyelitis or an abscess; an “unstable spine” condition, such as spondylolisthesis; or a spinal tumor.
For more information about advanced medical equipment used in back and spinal surgery at SSM Neurosciences Institute, click here.