Blog Contributed By iOrtho – The Orthopedic Institute
A Common Issue
Back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide, often debilitating and
significantly impacting daily life. Understanding the causes and exploring treatment options can
provide comprehensive relief and improve quality of life.
Causes and Treatments
Muscle strain from overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden movements is a frequent cause of back
pain, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Herniated discs, where the soft material inside a disc
pushes out and presses on nerves, can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
Degenerative disc disease, where the discs between vertebrae wear down with age,
results in chronic pain and reduced mobility. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal,
puts pressure on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Additionally,
osteoarthritis can affect the spine, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased flexibility.
Orthopedic surgeons, experts in the musculoskeletal system, offer various treatments for back
pain. Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants help
manage symptoms. With customized exercises and stretches, physical therapy strengthens the
muscles supporting the spine, improves posture, and enhances mobility. Injections of
corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. In severe cases,
surgical interventions may be necessary to address issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis,
ranging from minimally invasive techniques to more extensive spinal surgeries.
Chiropractors take a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing back pain. Spinal
adjustments realign the spine, reduce nerve irritation, and alleviate pain. Soft tissue therapy,
including massage and myofascial release, relaxes tight muscles and improves blood flow.
Chiropractors often prescribe rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the back muscles and
enhance flexibility. Additionally, they provide education on proper posture, lifting techniques,
and ergonomic adjustments to prevent future episodes of back pain.
Addressing back pain effectively often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Combining the
expertise of orthopedic surgeons and chiropractors provides a well-rounded treatment plan
that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of back pain. Whether you need
surgical intervention, manual adjustments, or lifestyle changes, seeking the guidance of both
professionals can help you achieve lasting relief and a better quality of life.
Addressing Back Pain
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Vincent Notabartolo is a board-certified chiropractor
specializing in electrodiagnostic testing. He is a member of prestigious associations and has
lectured at national conferences, offering expert care at his private practice in Staten Island,
NY. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Notabartolo today for comprehensive chiropractic care.