Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting up to 8 in 10 people at some time during their lives. At his practice in Dallas and Grapevine, Texas, double board-certified pain management specialist Mohammed Shaikh, MD, and his team offer minimally invasive and conservative treatments to relieve back pain and encourage the body’s healing process. Call today to receive treatment for back pain, or make your appointment online.

What causes back pain?

Back pain happens when there’s a problem with one or more of the components in your spine, including:

• Vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Nerves
• Ligaments and muscles

Often, back pain occurs after an injury, like a car accident, but it can also develop slowly as a result of general wear-and-tear. 

Who is at risk of experiencing back pain?

People of all ages experience back pain, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Smoking
• Being middle-aged
• Being overweight
• Using improper form when lifting
• Having psychological conditions like depression or anxiety

Your mobility level can contribute to back pain. For example, people who exercise regularly are less likely to have back pain than those who live a sedentary lifestyle. 

Should I see a doctor about back pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Shaikh if you have back pain that lasts longer than a few weeks and doesn’t improve with rest. That’s particularly true if the pain extends into your legs or occurs alongside weight loss or fever.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Dr. Shaikh reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and assesses your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs. Then, he has you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 and conducts a series of tests, checking your flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.

He also orders diagnostic testing, such as facet joint injections, a discogram, X-rays, or an MRI. These procedures can identify underlying problems, including fractures, herniated discs, or pinched nerves.

How is back pain treated?

Dr. Shaikh and his team treat back pain with a conservative and integrative approach. They may recommend:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Medial branch blocks
• Therapeutic facet injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Selective nerve root blocks
• Sacroiliac joint injections
• Percutaneous discectomy
• Minimally invasive interspinous spacers
• Physical therapy

Depending on the cause of your back pain, it may take trial and error to determine the most effective approach. Some people benefit from a combination of treatments, while others respond to just one. Follow Dr. Shaikh’s instructions and make sure to attend each follow-up visit.

Call the office near you today to explore the treatments for back pain, or make your appointment online.