Whether you are walking across a parking lot, spending time outdoors or cooking a meal at home, your back is essential to almost everything you do. Yet, when back pain strikes, everyday activities—even the smallest movements—can make life difficult.
Back pain is more common than you might think. Millions of people experience back pain, including acute low back pain, chronic low back pain and middle back pain (also called mid-thoracic back pain). Determining the cause can be tricky because it can be different for everyone.
Summit Orthopedics back pain experts are here to provide back pain diagnosis and treatment for people throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Acute Low Back Pain
Acute low back pain is an intense discomfort that usually occurs without warning. Sometimes, it is hard to determine the exact cause, but acute low back pain is often the result of an injury, tissue damage or an underlying condition like arthritis or osteoporosis. Back pain may last from a few days to a few weeks, and it’s often hard to prevent back pain of this type.
Symptoms may include:
- Localized or widespread lower back soreness
- Pain ranging from a mild ache to a piercing stab
- Pins and needles sensation or numbness
- Reduced mobility or strength
- Urinary or bowel changes
Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic low back pain (located in the lumbar spine) usually lasts for 12 weeks or longer and can significantly impact your daily life. Chronic back pain often feels dull or aching, although some people experience sharp, shooting pain. Unlike acute pain, chronic back pain requires ongoing management.
Other symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
- Problems sleeping, as well as
- Urinary or bowel changes
Mid-thoracic Back Pain
Mid-thoracic back pain occurs between the base of your neck and the bottom of your ribs and can happen for different reasons. It may result from muscle strain, often due to overuse or injury, poor posture, underlying medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, and stress. The pain can range from a burning or dull sensation to sharp pain.
Other symptoms may include:
- Feeling stiff or weak
- Losing control of the bladder or bowels
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, chest, or abdominal area
Diagnosing Back Pain
To pinpoint the cause of your back pain, your provider will review your medical history, including past injuries or illness, and any existing conditions. You will also undergo a full physical exam to assess your range of motion, muscle strength and other functions that can help identify the pain.
You may also need diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or CT scans, or possibly an MRI to get a more detailed view of your discs and nerves. These imaging tests help provide a clearer picture of what is happening and guide treatment decisions.
Treating Back Pain With and Without Surgery
Many people can find relief without surgery, while others may have a more serious condition that requires surgical treatment. When addressing back pain, our specialists always explore nonsurgical treatment options before considering surgery. For many patients, taking a conservative approach can be highly effective in alleviating pain, improving function and promoting long-term healing. It can also empower you to actively participate in your own recovery without the need for more invasive treatment.
Nonsurgical treatments for back pain
- Injections. Corticosteroids placed directly into the affected area may reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, such as that caused by ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis in the spine)
- Medication. Oral or topical drugs are typically prescribed to help reduce inflammation or relax muscles to lessen the pain.
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises, stretches and manual techniques are performed with the help of a physical therapist to improve strength and flexibility which helps reduce pain and restore function.
- Self-care. Manyhome remedies can bring relief, including rest, losing weight, hot or cold compresses, gentle exercise, and other techniques.
Sometimes, lower back pain is so severe that only surgical treatment can help. We usually recommend surgery as a last resort after other options haven’t provided relief. The type of surgery needed will depend on the specific condition you have. Surgical procedures can address certain injuries and structural problems such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and other back conditions.
Surgical treatments for back pain
- Decompression surgery. These procedure can relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves which helps alleviate the pain associated with spinal injuries, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs and other conditions.
- Disc replacement surgery. During this surgery, a damaged spinal disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc made of metal or plastic. It is typically performed to relieve pain and improve function in cases of severe disc degeneration or injury, often as an alternative to spinal fusion.
- Microdiscectomy. This minimally invasive procedure is performed on herniated discs using a tiny microscope and surgical tools. It involves making a small incision in the spine and removing the portion of the disc causing pressure and pain.
- Spinal fusion surgery or minimally invasive spine fusion. A spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the spine to reduce pain and instability. Minimally invasive spine fusion does the same thing except tiny surgical instruments are used via small incisions. Your provider can determine which procedure is right for you.
Get the Back Pain Help You Need
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics spine expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
Back Pain FAQs
Summit Orthopedics physical therapists help patients overcome back pain from injury or surgery and regain optimal function. Here are five questions physical therapists frequently hear from patients.
- Should I stop doing activities that hurt?
Not necessarily. While you shouldn’t push through extreme or escalating pain, some discomfort is expected during physical therapy. Avoiding all activity can actually worsen the problem. Your physical therapist can guide you on what level of pain is acceptable.
- If my back hurts, should I stay in bed and rest?
Rest is not always the recommended approach. Research shows that gentle physical activity can offer pain-relieving help as you can heal. We advise against prolonged bed rest and instead encourage our patients to try walking or other gentle exercises.
- Is there anything I can do to avoid back surgery?
Yes. Many people come to physical therapy hoping to avoid surgery. Physical therapy can help because it teaches you how to handle those back pain flare-ups, which can stop things from getting so bad that surgery is your only option.
- Everyone talks about “core strength.” What is the core, and how is it connected to my back pain?
Your core includes all the muscles around your middle: your abdominal muscles, the muscles in your back and pelvis. They all work together to support and stabilize your back. That’s why a strong core is key for controlling back pain and keeping your spine healthy and stable as you go about your day.
- What can I expect when I go to physical therapy?
Your first session will involve a thorough assessment of your muscles, joints and posture. Next, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan specifically for you and answer any questions you have. Most likely, treatment for pain includes exercises to strengthen your core, mobilize your joints, learning to move in ways that will protect your back and a home exercise plan with resources. Other therapi
