Neurological Back Pain Treatment
Pain can arise from various conditions affecting the nervous system, including neurological back pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction. Pain is generally categorized as acute or chronic, with varying treatment approaches. Acute pain often improves with initial treatment, while chronic pain requires long-term strategies to manage symptoms. Neurological back pain can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from simple movements to sleep quality. At Desert Care Network, we provide personalized neurological back pain treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes surgery designed to help alleviate pain and restore mobility.
What Is Neurological Back Pain?
Neurological back pain refers to pain originating from issues affecting the nerves within the spine. Unlike general back pain caused by muscle strain or injury, neurological back pain causes include nerve compression or damage. This type of pain may stem from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis or sciatica, which involve pressure on or irritation of the nerves in the spine. Symptoms of neurological back pain can include sharp, radiating pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, particularly in the lower back and legs. Neurological back pain requires targeted treatment to address its symptoms.
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What Causes Neurological Back Pain?
Neurological back pain can result from several underlying causes that impact the nerves in and around the spine. Common neurological back pain causes include herniated discs, where the cushioning discs between vertebrae press on nearby nerves and spinal stenosis, a spinal canal narrowing that compresses nerves. Other causes may include degenerative disc disease, which involves the breakdown of discs due to aging or injury and sciatica, where nerve pain radiates from the lower back down through the legs. Injuries, infections and underlying health conditions such as arthritis can also contribute to neurological back pain by affecting the spine’s structure and nerves.
How Is Neurological Back Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing neurological back pain requires a comprehensive approach that begins with a patient's medical history, symptoms and results from a physical examination. Often, initial treatments are conservative, focusing on noninvasive methods. However, if these are ineffective, the healthcare provider may recommend further diagnostic tests to understand the cause of pain better and develop a treatment plan for managing back pain. Imaging studies like CT scans, MRIs and X-rays help doctors see the spine. Other specialized tests may also be used, such as discography, which evaluates intervertebral discs; a myelogram to examine the spinal canal; selective nerve root blocks to identify specific nerve pain sources; and electromyography or nerve conduction studies to assess nerve and muscle health.
When Is Surgery Recommended for Neurological Back Pain?
Surgery for neurological back pain may be recommended when conservative treatments, like medication and physical therapy, fail to provide relief or when symptoms of neurological back pain are severe or worsening. Candidates for surgery often experience significant limitations in daily activities due to back and leg pain or have symptoms like leg weakness, numbness, loss of bowel or bladder control and difficulty standing or walking. If surgery is advised, neurosurgeons can choose from several approaches to alleviate nerve root pressure, depending on the specific condition. Options include minimally invasive techniques, open decompression or spinal fusion using bone grafts and stabilizing hardware to secure the vertebrae.
Surgery can help restore mobility and improve the quality of life for many patients, though weighing the potential benefits against the risks is essential. While many patients report significant pain relief after surgery, it does not guarantee complete elimination of pain. Postoperative physical therapy may also be needed to optimize recovery.
What Are the Treatment Options for Neurological Back Pain?
Neurological back pain treatment varies and is unique to each patient. Common approaches include medications like NSAIDs, opioids, anticonvulsants and antidepressants to manage pain. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical, cognitive, behavioral and complementary therapies like acupuncture, are also beneficial. In more severe cases, interventional procedures such as nerve blocks or surgical options may be considered. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effectively managing neurological back pain's physical and emotional aspects.
Managing neurological back pain often involves a commitment to ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. Patients are encouraged to engage in regular low-impact exercise to help improve flexibility and reduce back strain without putting excessive pressure on the spine. Desert Care Network’s multidisciplinary approach combines therapies for those with chronic pain to offer a comprehensive solution.
Find a Neurosurgeon in the Coachella Valley
HealthCare is Better Together.
Neurological back pain does not have to keep you from experiencing the fullness of life. At Desert Care Network, our team of neurosurgeons and staff are dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive treatment options to help you manage pain and restore function. Let us help you take charge of your life with longer-lasting pain relief. If you are dealing with neurological back pain or would like to learn more about the treatment options available, find a doctor in your area or request a referral online. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. Please do not delay care.