Back Pain Treatment
Back pain that makes sitting, walking, bending, or sleeping uncomfortable can be more than a temporary muscle strain. It may be linked to spinal discs, joints, muscles, or irritated nerves. At MVM Health, our pain specialists identify possible causes and offer personalized back pain treatment, including minimally invasive options when appropriate, to help reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
Book a visit with a pain specialist near you at one of our clinics in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Arizona.
- Board-Certified Physicians
- Care Across Multiple Specialties
Meet Our Expert Team
Board Certified Expert
At MVM Health — Movement. Vitality. Medicine. — we are committed to providing exceptional pain, vein, and wellness services that empower individuals to reclaim their health and well-being. With our team of Harvard-trained experts, we strive to deliver transformative outcomes that restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. MVM Health’s mission is to help every patient relieve discomfort, restore motion, and renew life.
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
TARIQ ALFARRA, DO
JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL
Rishi Sheth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Carrie Ward, CNP
Franklin University
Kruti Solanki, CNP
Drexel University
Christy Daniels, CNP
Chamberlain University
Heerina Kittel, CNP
Maryville University
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
Vwaire Orhurhu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Mariam Salisu, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Peter Isaac, DO
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ali Amin, MD
Baylor College of Medicine
THOMAS KHOURY, MD
Harvard Medical School
ANTHONY TURNER, MD
Yale School of Medicine
KIRAN C. TAMIRISA
Baylor College of Medicine
Rishi Seth, MD
University of Miami School of Medicine
Henry Onyeaka, MD, MPH
Harvard Medical School
Felicia Todd, CNP
Moravian College
Vic Urbano, CNP
Walden University
Jameela Azeem, CNP
Hofstra University
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WHAT IS BACK PAIN?
Back pain is discomfort that affects the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves along the spine. It can develop in the upper, middle, or lower back and may feel like a dull ache, sharp pain, stiffness, or burning sensation. For some people, the discomfort stays in one area, while for others, it spreads into the buttocks or legs.
Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, cushioning discs, supporting muscles, ligaments, and nerves. These structures work together to support your body and allow movement. When muscles become strained, discs are damaged, or spinal nerves blocks are irritated, pain can develop and make everyday activities uncomfortable.
Back pain may be acute, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, continuing for more than 12 weeks. While some cases improve with rest and appropriate care, persistent symptoms may be linked to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
WHERE IS YOUR BACK PAIN?
Back pain can affect different areas of your spine, from the upper back to the lower back. The location of your pain may help identify its underlying cause.
UPPER BACK PAIN
Pain between the neck and shoulder blades, often linked to muscle strain, poor posture, or joint irritation. It may worsen with prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, or activities that place extra stress on the upper back muscles.
MIDDLE BACK PAIN
Discomfort around the thoracic spine that may result from muscle tension, injuries, or spinal conditions. Pain may become more noticeable when twisting, bending, or taking deep breaths, sometimes making everyday movements uncomfortable.
LOWER BACK PAIN
Pain in the lumbar region, commonly associated with muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. It may affect everyday activities such as standing, walking, bending, or lifting objects and can sometimes become persistent.
PAIN RADIATING TO LEGS
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttocks or legs, sometimes caused by irritation or compression of spinal nerves. It may also involve tingling, numbness, or weakness, particularly when sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods.
COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
Back pain can develop when muscles, spinal discs, joints, or nerves become strained, damaged, or irritated. Several common conditions and everyday activities can contribute to discomfort
MUSCLE OR LIGAMENT STRAIN
Heavy lifting, poor posture, sudden movements, or repetitive bending can strain back muscles and ligaments, causing pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
LUMBAR HERNIATED DISC
A damaged or bulging disc in the lower spine may irritate nearby nerves, causing lower back pain that can spread into the buttocks or legs.
SPINAL ARTHRITIS
Wear and tear in the spinal joints can cause lower back stiffness, aching, and reduced flexibility, especially after resting or sitting for long periods.
LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that may worsen while standing or walking.
SCIATICA & NERVE COMPRESSION
BACK INJURIES & ACCIDENTS
Falls, sports injuries, and car accidents can damage spinal muscles, ligaments, discs, or bones, leading to sudden pain or discomfort that persists over time.
VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES
Weakened spinal bones, often due to osteoporosis, can develop small fractures or collapse, causing sudden back pain and difficulty standing or moving comfortably.
SACROILIAC JOINT PAIN
Inflammation or abnormal movement in the joints connecting the spine and pelvis can cause lower back and buttock pain, sometimes extending into the thighs.
Risk Factors
Anyone can experience back pain, but certain factors may increase your risk
- Age Over 40: Age-related changes in spinal discs and joints may increase the risk of back pain.
- Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long hours, especially with poor posture, can strain lower back muscles.
- Heavy Lifting: Frequent bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects can place extra stress on the spine.
- Excess Body Weight: Additional weight may increase pressure on the lower back and supporting structures.
- Smoking: Smoking can affect blood circulation and the health of spinal discs.
- Previous Back Injuries: Past injuries or spinal surgery may increase the likelihood of recurring discomfort.
- Limited Physical Activity: Weak core muscles and reduced flexibility may contribute to back pain.
Symptoms of Back Pain
- Persistent aching, stiffness, or sharp pain in the upper, middle, or lower back.
- Pain that worsens when bending, lifting, twisting, or sitting for long periods.
- Pain that spreads from the lower back into the buttocks, hips, or legs.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the legs or feet.
- Muscle spasms, tightness, or reduced flexibility in the back.
- Weakness in one or both legs, particularly when nerves are affected.
- Difficulty standing upright, walking, sleeping, or completing daily activities.
WHEN PAIN NEEDS URGENT CARE
Most back pain isn’t an emergency. However, seek urgent medical attention if your back pain occurs with:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs.
- New or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs.
- Fever, chills, or feeling seriously unwell.
- A history of cancer with new or worsening back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
- Severe back pain following a fall, accident, or other injury.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing (call 911).
These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression, infection, a spinal fracture, or another condition requiring immediate medical evaluation.
Book a pain evaluation
BACK PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS
Back pain treatment begins with conservative, non-surgical options based on your symptoms and underlying condition. More advanced treatments are considered only when necessary.
Conservative care
Physical therapy, guided exercise, activity changes and medication guidance are often the first steps, especially for strains and early disc problems.
Anti-inflammatory medicine is placed near irritated spinal nerves to ease pain that radiates into an arm or leg, such as from a herniated disc or stenosis.
Medicine is placed in or near the small joints of the spine to ease arthritis pain. A positive response also helps confirm where the pain starts.
Controlled heat quiets the small nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic spine joints. It’s often considered after a successful nerve block.
A small device sends mild electrical pulses that change how pain signals reach the brain. It’s used for long-term pain that hasn’t responded to other care, and it starts with a short trial.
Platelets from your own blood may support healing in some joint and soft-tissue conditions. Your provider will tell you whether it’s a reasonable option for you.
EASING BACK PAIN AT HOME
Simple self-care measures may help manage mild back pain, ease discomfort, and support recovery without putting additional stress on your spine.
If back pain continues, becomes more severe, or affects your daily routine, a medical evaluation can help identify possible causes and guide appropriate care.
Avoid Prolonged Bed Rest. Rest briefly when needed, but avoid staying in bed for extended periods. Gradually returning to comfortable daily activities may help prevent additional stiffness.
Try Gentle Knee-to-Chest Stretches. Lie on your back and slowly bring one knee toward your chest. Hold briefly and release to gently stretch your lower back without forcing movement.
Change Positions Regularly. Avoid remaining in one position for too long. Alternating between sitting, standing, and lying down may help ease pressure on sensitive areas of your back.
Reduce Activities That Trigger Pain. Temporarily limit heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or movements that worsen discomfort. Resume activities gradually as your back begins to feel better.
Use Supportive Seating. Choose a firm, comfortable chair with adequate lower-back support. A small lumbar cushion may help maintain a comfortable position while sitting.
Practice Relaxation Techniques. Try slow breathing, mindfulness, or gentle relaxation exercises. Managing stress may help reduce muscle tension and make ongoing back discomfort easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best back pain treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of your symptoms. Options may include physical therapy, medications, epidural steroid injections, or radiofrequency ablation. A pain specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
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