Overview:
Back Pain Doctor in Austin, TX Who Puts Your Comfort First
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. It affects people of all ages.
Back pain specialist at Advanced Pain Care in Austin, TX treat lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis, whether the pain started after an injury or built up slowly over years.
Each visit begins with finding the exact source, because a pinched nerve and a worn joint need very different care. From there, we walk you through real options: physical therapy, pain medicine, epidural steroid injections, precision nerve injections, radiofrequency treatment, or spinal cord stimulation when it fits. Our goal is to reduce your pain and help you get back to your daily activities.
What Causes Back Pain?
Most back pain comes from a strained muscle or ligament, an irritated joint, or a problem with a disc or nerve. Pain is generally called acute when it lasts under 6 weeks and chronic when it lasts longer than 12 weeks.
Back pain affects about 8 out of 10 adults at some point in their lives. It can start as a dull ache and become acute or chronic. When it does, simple home care may ease symptoms for a while but often does not control the condition in the long run.
Some of the most common areas where back pain is experienced include the large muscles that support the spine and the facet joints that connect the vertebrae to each other. Back pain could also be experienced in the intervertebral discs that should provide shock absorption for the bones and the spinal nerves that connect to other parts of the body. Conditions affecting the bones, tendons, and ligaments can also cause severe back pain.
The most common reasons for back pain are muscle or ligament strains, sprains, and irritated joints. Other common causes include:
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Slipped or ruptured disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica (pinched nerves)
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Back injury
- Scoliosis
Common Symptoms of Back Pain You May Experience
Those who experience back pain often complain of a variety of symptoms. These can range from stiffness along the spine, a sharp or tingling sensation, or a persistent feeling of soreness in the upper, middle, or lower back region.
Based on the region and type of pain that you experience, the pain can be classified as:
- Radicular Pain — Experienced as a searing or shock-like pain radiating along the spinal nerve; caused predominantly by conditions such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or sciatica.
- Referred Pain — Dull, achy pain that may vary in intensity and the region in which it is experienced; may be caused by degenerative disc disease that causes referred pain to hips and thighs.
- Axial Pain — Experienced along the spine itself; the most common reason is a muscle strain.
When Do You Need to Visit an Austin Back Pain Specialist?
Most back pain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need medical attention quickly. Here is how to tell the difference.
Symptoms that often improve with simple care:
- Pain radiating to the hip region but not to the legs
- Difficulty in standing straight or bending
- Pain during some movement alone
- Muscle cramps in the back
Schedule a visit with a back pain specialist if you have:
- Pain that has lasted more than 6 weeks
- Pain that keeps getting steadily worse
- Pain that wakes you at night or does not ease with rest
- Pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down one or both legs
- Unexplained weight loss along with back pain
- New back pain after age 50 or before age 20
If you are not sure where your pain falls, a backache specialist at Advanced Pain Care can help you work it out.
Are You at Risk? Additional Factors That Can Lead to Chronic Back Pain
Factors that can put you at risk for back pain include:
- Stress and/or Other Psychological Conditions
- Overuse or Heavy Lifting
- Poor Body Posture
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of Exercise
- Trauma
Right Diagnosis & Treatment Options for Back Pain in Austin, TX
Pain in the upper back or the mid-back region usually improves with rest and mild medication and, when required, some simple therapies. Upper back pain that is constant, keeps getting worse, or comes with unexplained weight loss, night pain, or a history of cancer should be checked by a back specialist.
Depending on the classification of the pain as well as the accompanying symptoms, a pain management specialist or a neurosurgeon at Advanced Pain Care may recommend the following options.
Non-Invasive Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve block and precision nerve injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Kyphoplasty
- Facet Injection
- Indirect spinal decompression
- Minimally Invasive lumbar decompression (M.I.L.D.)
When Is Surgery Required for Back Pain? Options in Austin, TX
Surgery is rarely where we start. Most patients try other treatments first, and surgery only comes up if those have not helped enough or if a nerve is being damaged and waiting could make things worse. Your pain management physician will go through the non-surgical options with you before anything else.
Here are some of the most commonly recommended back pain treatments we provide at Advanced Pain Care:
- Spinal Fusion — This is considered when part of the spine is unstable or severely damaged and other treatments have not helped.
- Discectomy — A portion of the spinal disc (the herniated portion) is surgically removed to reduce the inflammation and irritation of the nerves.
- Laminectomy — The surgeon removes parts of the ligaments, the bone, or bone spurs to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. This procedure is commonly performed for lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Disc Replacement — The damaged spinal disc is surgically replaced with an artificial one. Recovery for this procedure may be faster than when spinal fusion is done.
- Foraminotomy — The foramen is the bony window where an individual spinal nerve exits. Sometimes the window becomes narrowed, pinching the nerve. The surgeon performs a foraminotomy to widen that window.
- Interlaminar Implant — This is a minimally invasive procedure where a U-shaped device is placed between two vertebrae in the lower back. This helps ease the pressure on the spinal nerves.
What to Expect During Back Surgery Recovery?
The post-surgery recovery period will depend on the general health of the patient as well as the extent of the procedure performed. In case a spinal fusion has been done, it takes 6 months to a year for the bones to completely fuse. If you have undergone a laminectomy or discectomy, many people return to normal activities within about 1 to 2 months, though full recovery can take longer.
Once you are out of surgery, a physical therapist at Advanced Pain Care will discuss an exercise and therapy routine with you. Along with walking, a set of range of motion exercises may also be recommended, which you will do with your physical therapist. Depending on your specific case, your surgeon will also recommend specific do’s and don’ts regarding posture and movement.
You will have follow-up visits at our back pain clinic so your doctor can check how you are healing. Your surgeon will set the schedule based on your procedure. The doctor may also order an X-ray or other imaging tests to see how well your back has healed.
Get Back Pain Relief At Your Nearest Advanced Pain Care Clinic
Advanced Pain Care has 21 locations across Texas, which makes it easier to see a pain management doctor close to home. Each clinic offers the same patient-focused approach to back pain care. Find the location nearest you below.
Testimonials
“I’m a patient of Dr. Hellman and am here to say he is a great doctor. He’s always patient, informative and listens well. The injections in my back have really helped. Thank you Doctor.”
— lion mann
“They were pretty amazing in helping us today! My partner was in intense back pain, and they were able to see her in the same day. Dr. Wisley and his staff were super polite and caring.”
— Jules Duarte
“I’ve been using Dr Dennis for years and I love Dr Malone and the whole staff I go to round Rock today go to Cedar Park they resolve my back here but now my knee is blown out so they help me with my shoulder care so here we go with the knee I recommend highly after years of being disabled with back pain they’re the best and all of Austin Cedar Park everywhere.”
— Kim Steinke
“I’ve been a contractor with these people for over a decade.
My first visit where they were the providers could not have gone any better.
It is so easy to be negative and critical when you’re in chronic pain.
I was not inundated with repetitive questions, the staff and the doctors actually listen, and the solution was an ongoing program NOT just a slap on the back a prescription and have a good day.
My history is such. I’ve had a opportunity to see the inside way too many clinics, hospitals, and doctors offices.
None better run in the Apc offices I’ve had a good fortune to rely on.”— Charles Blackburn
“Dr. Dennis and his team at the Georgetown clinic are phenomenal. I’ve been a patient of theirs going on 2 years, and they’ve really helped my chronic back pain. I’d highly recommend that anyone who suffers from chronic pain schedule an appointment with them. They listen to you, and answer all questions you might have. They truly care about their patients.”
— Logan Pollock
“Advanced Pain Care has changed my life for the better. I am so pleased with the knowledge, care given, and options available for chronic back pain and nerve pain by Dr Dennis, Dr Pegram and their staff. I recommend them every chance I get.”
— Dee Heffernan
“Dr Bannister is an excellent surgeon. Just had back surgery and everything was wonderful. Amazing not to hurt anymore! And his staff is the best . Always there to help”
— Patti Mclaughlin
“Great folks who really care about you. As a US Army Paratrooper, I suffered for years with back pain. The pain injections helped but wouldn’t fix the problem. I finally needed surgery, Laminectomy. After 3 weeks, I’m feeling great! Thank you everyone!”
— Kenton Falerios
Insurance We Accept:
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FAQS
Q: How do I know if my back pain is serious?
A: In general, a sore back after lifting heavy items, exercise, or a long day is not very concerning. You need medical attention when pain comes with weakness in the legs, numbness in the groin, bowel or bladder problems, fever, unexplained weight loss, or other serious injury. Pain that keeps getting worse should also be checked by a back pain specialist.
Q: What causes lower back pain?
A: Lower back pain can come from a strained muscle, but there are many other possible causes. A herniated disc, arthritis, spinal narrowing, or a pinched and irritated nerve can also be behind the pain. Previous injuries and repeated strain can contribute as well. A back pain doctor can help identify the likely source.
Q: What is the most common cause of back pain?
A: Sometimes the back starts hurting after the muscles are pushed too hard, whether from heavy lifting, repeated activities, poor posture, or a sudden movement. At Advanced Pain Care, backache specialists take a closer look at each patient’s symptoms to find the possible source of pain.
Q: How long does back pain usually last?
A: Most cases of back pain in Austin improve with proper care over a few days or weeks. When pain persists, returns, or affects daily activities, the back pain specialists at Advanced Pain Care can assess the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Q: What is the fastest way to relieve back pain at home?
A: Gentle movement is usually better than bed rest for a new episode of back pain. A short walk, heat for tight muscles, or ice after an injury may help you feel better. Over-the-counter pain medicine may help too, but it is not safe for everyone. If home care is not enough, a pain relief doctor can look for the cause and suggest next steps.
Q: What is the best sleeping position for back pain?
A: Try sleeping on your side with a pillow placed between your knees. Another option is lying on your back with a pillow under your knees. Both can take some strain off the lower back. There is no need to force a position that makes the pain worse.
Q: Can back pain be a sign of something more serious, like a kidney or organ problem?
A: Yes. Kidney problems can cause pain in the back or side, particularly when there is also fever, nausea, painful urination, or blood in the urine. Pain linked to an abdominal problem can feel like back pain too. Severe or unexplained pain should not automatically be assumed to be a spine problem.
Q: What exercises or stretches help with back pain?
A: Walking and gentle stretching are good starting points for many people. Core and stabilization exercises can help too, but the right ones depend on the nature of your pain. Some movements can make certain conditions worse, so it is best to have a doctor or physical therapist guide you before you start. A program based on a patient’s symptoms and condition, supervised by a physical therapist, may help people with chronic back pain.
