Back Pain

Up to 16 million adults suffer from chronic back pain, a common musculoskeletal problem that can make sleep, work, or exercise difficult. At his practice in Kyle, Floresville, La Vernia, and Gonzales, Texas, interventional pain management specialist Eric Miller, MD, offers various minimally invasive treatments for back pain, including pain management injections, multi-wave locked system (MLS) laser therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule treatment for back pain, or book your appointment online. 

Should I seek treatment if my back pain lasts a few days?

Everyone has back pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with your normal routine, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller. Most causes of back pain aren’t serious but often worsen without treatment. Intervention can reduce your risk of complications and help your body heal sooner.

What are the symptoms of back pain?

Back pain symptoms include:

• Pain that’s sharp, dull, or achy
• Pain that radiates into your buttocks, legs, and feet
• Popping or snapping sounds
• Stiffness
• Muscle spasms

As the condition worsens, you might experience postural problems. For example, you might need to stand in a crooked or bent position when walking or doing other routine tasks. 

What causes back pain?

Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Strains and sprains
• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Pinched nerves
• General wear-and-tear

Sometimes back pain occurs because of an underlying medical condition, like a spine tumor or kidney stones.

How does a pain management specialist diagnose back pain?

Dr. Miller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it extends into other parts of your body, like your legs or arms. Then, he completes a physical exam, checking your back for redness, bruising, and swelling.

Dr. Miller gently presses on your spine and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas. He also has you complete a series of easy exercises to assess your posture, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Dr. Miller orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays,  CT scans, or  MRIs. These procedures allow him to look closer at your bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. 

How does an interventional pain management specialist treat back pain?

Dr. Miller treats back pain using an integrative and minimally invasive treatment approach. He might suggest:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
• Muscle relaxants to prevent back spasms
• Corticosteroid injections
• Epidural spine injections
• Trigger point injections
• Nerve blocks
• Physical therapy
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser treatments
• Radiofrequency ablation

Most back pain improves with one or more of these treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, surgery might be necessary.

Call the office of Dr. Eric Miller, MD, today to schedule a back pain consultation, or book your appointment online.