Back pain that doesn’t seem to improve is not only uncomfortable but also stressful. After all, what happens if the pain never goes away? Which of your favorite activities would you have to say goodbye to?
Identifying the source of back pain is the first step in moving toward relief. In many cases, a pinched nerve can be the cause of back pain that lingers over time. If you live in or around Conroe and Woodlands, Texas, the team at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre can help put you on a path toward lasting pain relief.
Let’s look at how a pinched nerve can create lingering back pain.
You have nerves running throughout your body, working to transmit signals between the body and the brain. But when something creates pressure on a nerve, it can begin to send frequent or even constant pain signals.
Many different things can cause nerve compression. Some examples include:
This is far from a comprehensive list. Any condition that causes swelling or changes the alignment of your joint components can lead to a pinched nerve.
Knowing the signs of a pinched nerve can help you know when the time is right to seek professional treatment. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
These symptoms can come and go, or remain relatively constant for a period of time. You might be able to continue normal routines, or you may find yourself limiting your activities because of the discomfort.
Living with pain takes a toll on both your physical and mental health. Pain is meant to be your body’s way of warning you that something is amiss. When pain continues over time, your body and mind have a hard time processing those signals.
Ongoing back pain can also prevent you from enjoying your normal routines. Many people respond by limiting their daily activities. A sedentary lifestyle is a known risk factor for obesity, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and depression, among many other problems.
Staying active is essential to your overall health and wellness. That’s one of the most important reasons to take prompt action when back pain lingers for more than a few days.
Your treatment plan depends on the extent of nerve damage and your overall health. In some cases, a course of physical therapy is all that’s needed to relieve a pinched nerve. Medications can help by reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
Some pinched nerves can only be resolved through surgical intervention. A skilled surgeon can remove tissue that’s encroaching on your nerve, which eliminates the source of pain. Many procedures can be done using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which have short recovery times and a lower risk of infection.
If you’re suffering from ongoing back pain, there’s no need to wait until the discomfort becomes unbearable before you seek help. Reach out to the team at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre to schedule a diagnostic assessment.
We’ll work with you to determine the source of your pain and explain all available treatment options. Book today by giving us a call or trying the easy online booking tool.
