Back Pain? You’re Not Alone

Back Pain?

You’re Not Alone

By Melissa Hinton, DNP

National statistics show that about 80 percent of people will experience neck or back pain during their lifetime. Spine pain is one of the most common reasons that people seek medical attention, but many “just deal with it” on a daily basis. At Desert Pain Specialists, there are a number of options that can be discussed to help treat neck and back issues, even if the cause is related to the aging process. In addition, getting early treatment for your pain and spine issues often allows for improved daily function and independence. There are many causes of back pain: medications (even commonly prescribed medications), the aging process, physical stress, injury, and other medical problems. Most people have heard of “slipped discs,” but typical arthritis—also known as degenerative disc disease, facet arthropathy, spondylosis, listhesis, or types of stenosis—can also cause severe problems over time. Fractures are another cause of back pain. As we age or lose minerals from other causes, our bones begin to lose density and become more fragile. Even a simple position change can sometimes result in compression fractures of the spine, often causing sudden, severe back pain. The pain is most commonly felt in the middle or lower spine or on the sides or in the front of the spine. Generally, the pain is sharp and ” knifelike,” can be disabling, and may take weeks or months to go away. Compression fractures due to osteoporosis (thinning bones) may cause no symptoms at first. Often, they are discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Those with this condition may notice back pain that starts slowly and gets worse with walking but is not felt when resting, loss of height (as much as six inches over time), and kyphosis (stooped posture; often called a dowager’s hump). If you are seventy years of age or older, back pain should be evaluated if: • Back pain is new. • Pain does not go away, even at night or when lying down. • There is weakness in one or both legs. • You are having problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function. • Back pain is accompanied by unexplained fever or weight loss. • You have a history of cancer, a weakened immune system, and/or osteoporosis. • You have used corticosteroids (prednisone) for a prolonged period of time. • You experienced a fall or accident that caused back pain, especially if you are older than fifty years or age. • Pain spreads into the lower leg, particularly if accompanied by weakness of the leg. • Back pain does not improve within four weeks. Medicines to treat osteoporosis can help prevent future fractures. However, medicines cannot reverse damage that has already occurred. Physical therapy and a regular exercise or walking program can help slow rapid bone loss. Check with your provider for their recommendations. In the meantime, Desert Pain offers treatment options that include pain control, epidural injections, and vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty (procedures that help repair the bone). If you experience chronic pain or spine issues, Desert Pain Specialists can help you get back on your feet. To schedule an appointment, call (435) 216-7000 or visit their website at www.desertpainspecialists.com.

About the Author

Melissa Hinton is a doctorate nurse practitioner with education and training in family practice, pulmonary specialty, and addiction medicine. She is board certified as an advanced practice registered nurse and is nationally certified as an advanced practice addictions provider. Melissa received her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Utah summa cum laude and has been practicing in the medical field for over twenty years. Melissa and her husband moved to St. George in 1994 and have a busy family of five children with two grandsons that are their pride and joy. Melissa enjoys the outdoors, has run four marathons, enjoys the grandeur of our local national parks, and loves hiking. She also has a passion for music, traveling throughout the US in orchestral, choral, and solo performances and as a featured musician in the southwestern states with vocal, theater, violin, and piano performances.