The majority of back pain symptoms stem from inflammation due to an acute injury or overuse of the muscles, joints, or tendons.
Understanding and adhering to proper posture and lifting techniques can help decrease your chance for sustaining a back injury, such as a fracture, herniated disc, or strained muscle.
However, not all causes of back pain are as easily preventable; pain can also arise from a chronic or degenerative condition or from conditions that may spontaneously occur, such as disc herniations.
When To Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of back pain, it’s important to seek treatment from a spine specialist as soon as possible before your condition worsens.
- Pain that radiates from the neck to the arm/hand
- Pain that radiates from the back to the leg/foot
- Pain that increases in the back, leg, or foot with standing or walking and is relieved by sitting
- Pain following heavy lifting, especially if you have osteoporosis
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
- Nerve or dexterity problems in the arms and hands
At Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics, we understand that pain in the back can make everyday activities difficult. Our back doctors know that proper diagnosis is paramount in determining the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition.
To consult with a back doctor at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics, please request an appointment online or call (360) 424-7041.
Back, Neck, & Spine FAQs
Back pain can have a variety of causes, but the three most common are muscle or ligament strain from heavy lifting or sudden and awkward movements, herniated or ruptured discs, and arthritis. Other contributing factors can include poor posture, obesity, and stress.
Back pain is considered serious if it is accompanied by severe pain or lasts longer than a few weeks, numbness or tingling in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or if it follows a fall or injury. Consulting a healthcare provider is important for an accurate diagnosis.
Conditions like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis of the spine, disk problems, and persistent pain following spinal surgery.
With lower back pain, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees. Ensure your mattress and pillows provide adequate support, and consider using a heating pad before bed to relax the muscles.
Maintain good posture and engage in regular and gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Sleep on your side, wear supportive footwear, use lower back support when sitting, and apply heat or cold therapy as needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy can also be effective.
Why choose Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics?
Our back surgeons and doctors at Proliance Surgeons Skagit Northwest Orthopedics have completed additional training specifically in the back, neck, and spine. With this advanced training, Dr. Jimmy Cui, Dr. Dawei Lu, and Dr. Herbie P. Yung have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your back injury or condition individually to your needs.
To consult with one of our back surgeons or doctors, please request an appointment online or call (360) 424-7041.