Q: How common is back pain?
It’s very common: 8 out of 10 adults experience back pain at least once in their lives. Lower back pain is also one of the most common of all patient complaints in the United States.

Q: What typically causes back pain in adults?
Age-related degenerative disc and facet disease (the joint structures that connect the vertebrae together) and muscle or ligamentrelated injuries are the most common causes of back pain. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine. The facet joints are responsible for movement of the spine. And the muscles and ligaments function to help move and stabilize the spine.

Arthritis and degeneration make these structures more susceptible to injury and inflammation.

The discs can tear or herniate and the facet joints along with the muscle and ligaments can be strained. It is the inflammatory response to these injuries that is usually responsible for pain.

Osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fractures are also a significant cause of back pain.

Q. How can a pain management specialist help?
An effective pain management program pinpoints the source of the back pain. The pain management specialist studies the patient’s history, physical exam and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI, bone scan and nerve conduction studies. Then the doctor outlines a treatment plan, which usually includes education, physical therapy, medications, and interventional treatments.

Patients should realize that there is no quick fix to a back pain problem. Working with a pain management specialist is instrumental in relieving back pain.