Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, impacting millions of people every day. As many as 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and about 16 million adults — nearly 8% of all adults — experience persistent or chronic back pain that prevents or limits daily activities. 80% of the adult population will report back pain at some point in their life.

Back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and may range from a minor ache to severe and debilitating discomfort. While it can affect someone at any age, the risk increases as we get older due to natural wear and tear on the spine. Back pain can be caused by a variety of sources, including muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, and discs. Understanding the root cause is the first step in how to treat back pain effectively.

Causes of Back Pain

When considering what causes back pain, there are several factors that can come into play.

• Muscle or ligament sprain/strain: Repetitive lifting or an awkward movement can cause painful muscle spasms.
• Bulging (herniated) or ruptured discs: A damaged spinal disc may press on nerves, causing radiating pain
• Arthritis: Inflammation from arthritis can lead to spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord.
• Skeletal irregularities: For example, scoliosis or other spinal deformities.
• Osteoporosis: Fragile bones can increase the risk of bone fractures.

In some cases, other medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, kidney stones, infections, tumors, pregnancy, or endometriosis, can also contribute to the development of back pain.

It may surprise you to learn that socioeconomic factors can also come into play. Studies show that adults with lower income are more likely to experience back pain, with 45% of those living below the federal poverty level reporting back problems, compared to 38% of adults well above it. Access to resources, healthcare, and lifestyle differences can directly impact spinal health over time. 

Symptoms of Back Pain

Symptoms of back pain can vary widely depending on the root cause, but across the board, they’re incredibly common. In 2019, nearly 40% of adults reported back pain within the last 3 months. The most common symptoms include:

• Muscle aches and tightness
• Sharp, shooting pains
• Pain that radiates down the leg or gets worse with lifting or bending movements
• Difficulty standing upright or walking
• Limited range of motion or morning stiffness
• Numbness, tingling, and weakness

Back pain can also feel different depending on the cause. It could be dull or sharp, or may be best described as burning, aching, shooting, stabbing, or throbbing. You may also feel it spreading (or radiating) to other parts of the body, such as the leg. Some people experience stiffness, reduced flexibility, or difficulty standing up straight. The pain may get better or worse after certain activities, such as sitting, bending, or lifting. 

Different Types of Pain: Acute vs. Chronic

Knowing whether your back pain is acute or chronic is important for figuring out which treatments are most likely to help.

• Acute pain lasts from 0-4 weeks and often results from injury or trauma
• Chronic pain persists for more than 3 months and may result from longer-running causes or other medical conditions
  

Chronic back pain isn’t just cumbersome — it’s also incredibly costly. Individuals suffering from persistent back pain account for over $12 billion in healthcare and indirect costs per year in the United States (U.S.) alone, making it the sixth most expensive condition in the U.S. 

When Back Pain Extends to Other Parts of the Body

Unfortunately, back pain doesn’t always stay in the lower back. In many cases, it can radiate to other areas, making it hard to pinpoint the source of the problem. For example, pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sharp, shooting pain that travels down one or both legs — a condition known as sciatica. You might also feel pain or stiffness in the hips, buttocks, or even the upper back, shoulders, and neck if the spinal nerves higher up are involved. This type of radiating pain may indicate nerve irritation or compression and often needs more specialized care. If you notice your back ache spreading to other parts of your body, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation to find out what’s causing it and what can be done about it.  

Diagnosing Back Pain

How to stop back pain starts with getting an accurate diagnosis as early as possible. Diagnosis typically starts with a detailed review of your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination. Depending on your condition or your doctor’s concerns, imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to get a better view of the structure of your spine. This can help identify issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. 

Treatment and Relief Options in Beverly Hills

Dr. Hooman Melamed takes a personalized, customized, tailored approach to treating back pain. Many cases improve with non-surgical treatments, including activity modification, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted exercises to strengthen and support the spine. For some patients, specialized therapies like corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pressure. 

If conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Melamed may consider minimally invasive surgical options such as endoscopic, microscopic, artificial disc, or fusion if necessary.   Our team uses the latest techniques to treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease with a focus on faster recovery times and less postoperative discomfort. 

Early intervention is key to finding the right solutions for back problems and preventing further trouble down the road. Whether your back pain is a new problem or something you’ve been living with for years, Dr. Hooman Melamed is here to guide you toward the best treatment options for your unique situation.

When To See a Doctor

While minor back pain may resolve on its own with proper rest and self-care, it’s important to see a doctor if your pain persists for longer than a few weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or trouble walking. Severe symptoms, such as the loss of bladder or bowel control, require immediate attention.   If you have or experience any numbness and/or weakness, you should see a spine specialist right away to avoid permanent nerve damage.

Make an Appointment With Dr. Melamed

If back pain is affecting your daily life, expert help is available. Don’t wait — request an appointment online to schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.