Back Pain FAQ

Q:  What are some of the common reasons for back pain?

A:  There are a number of reasons for back pain because of the complex structure of the spine and surrounding musculature.  Back muscles can be strained, causing intense pain that appears to come from the spine itself.  Degenerative arthritis in the discs or bones of the spine is another common source of back pain.  Herniated discs cause protrusions that may rub against nerve endings, causing radiating pain down the legs and up through the back.

Q:  How do disc injuries cause back pain?

A:  Spinal disc injuries generally cause both leg and back pain.  The back pain is usually a result of inflammation or trauma to the spine.  The resulting pressure on the nerves can lead to pain shooting down the legs.

Q:  What is spinal instability?

A:  Spinal instability is the basic term for any loss of function in the spinal tissues.  This loss of function will cause the spine to move in abnormal directions and can lead to muscle pulls or tears.  Severe spinal instability may even cause the vertebrae to slip.

Q:  How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

A:  Most herniated discs will cause pain in both the back and legs.  The leg pain generally begins in the buttock area and moves down to the thigh and calf, all the way down to the foot.  The patient may also experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in the legs and back.

Q:  Is back surgery necessary?

A:  The most common reasons to have back surgery are arthritis, instability, nerve dysfunction and incapacitating back pain.  If the pain has not improved in 3-6 months or the patient cannot walk, surgery is often the only choice.  Certain bowel or bladder dysfunctions may be caused by back problems that can be remedied by surgery.

Q:  Is physical therapy necessary after back surgery?

A:  Most surgeons do require physical therapy after back surgery.  This can often be done by the patient at home, such as with a walking program that uses a treadmill.  Stationary bikes and swimming can also be good exercise while recovering from back surgery.  Physical therapy usually runs for a period of six weeks or less and can be continued at home with the exercises learned at therapy.  A maintenance program of physical therapy may be necessary in some cases, whether at home or in the therapist's office.