Chronic Back Pain
Chronic Back Pain Treatment in East Tennessee
Our Specialty
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can affect nearly every part of daily life, from working and exercising to sleeping or spending time with family. When back pain continues or repeatedly returns, identifying the underlying cause is an important step toward finding the right treatment.
At Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA), our spine specialists evaluate patients experiencing ongoing back pain to determine what may be contributing to their symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan.
What Causes Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain can have many potential causes. Conditions affecting the discs, joints, nerves, and other structures of the spine may contribute to persistent pain and limited mobility.
Common spine conditions associated with back pain include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylosis
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal injuries or instability
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition. Some patients experience a persistent ache, while others may have sharp or shooting pain. Back pain may also occur with numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain that travels into the legs.
Chronic Back Pain Treatment at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. TOA prioritizes conservative treatment options when appropriate, which may include physical therapy, medications, pain management injections, and modifications to daily activities.
When symptoms are severe, affect mobility or daily activities, and have not improved with non-surgical treatment, a spine specialist may discuss whether spine surgery is appropriate.
TOA provides comprehensive spine care for patients throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, Sevierville, and surrounding communities.
Subspecialties
Common causes of low back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Sprained ligament
- Herniated/ruptured disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sacroiliac or facet joint dysfunction
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma
- Fractures
TREATMENT FOR LOWER BACK (LUMBAR) PAIN
A tremendous amount of research has gone into developing effective treatments for low back pain — so you’ve got options. Your orthopedic specialist will work with you to develop a treatment plan for your low back pain that works with your lifestyle and helps you regain a pain-free life you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Back Pain
When is back pain considered chronic?
Chronic back pain generally refers to pain that persists for an extended period or continues to return rather than resolving normally. Ongoing pain should be evaluated, particularly when it begins interfering with work, sleep, mobility, exercise, or other daily activities.
When should I see a spine specialist for chronic back pain?
Consider seeing a spine specialist if your pain persists, interferes with daily activities, or occurs with symptoms such as pain radiating into the legs, numbness, tingling, weakness, difficulty walking, or balance problems. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine what is causing your symptoms.
How is the cause of chronic back pain diagnosed?
A spine specialist may review your medical history and symptoms and perform a comprehensive assessment. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may also be used when appropriate to better understand the condition of the spine and identify potential causes of pain.
Can chronic back pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many spine problems can be treated without surgery. Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, medications, pain management injections, and changes to daily activities. TOA focuses on exploring conservative treatment options before recommending surgery when appropriate.
When might surgery be considered for chronic back pain?
Surgery may be considered when symptoms are debilitating, conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, or a spinal condition is causing significant nerve compression or loss of function. Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal deformities, or instability may sometimes require surgical treatment.
The appropriate treatment is different for every patient. A TOA spine specialist can evaluate your symptoms, determine the underlying cause of your chronic back pain, and help you understand your treatment options.
Our Spine Surgeons
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