Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. For many, this discomfort is temporary and can be managed with rest, over-the-counter medications, or lifestyle adjustments.
However, chronic back pain—pain that persists for several weeks or longer—can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires specialized care. Understanding when to seek help from a spine specialist is essential for both effective treatment and long-term relief.
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we are dedicated to providing top-quality treatment for chronic back pain ranging from chiropractic care to minimally invasive spine surgery. Contact our Charlotte pain management specialists today.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain can stem from a variety of underlying issues, many of which develop gradually over time. Some of the most common causes include:
Herniated Discs
A herniated or “slipped” disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer, irritating nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs in our spine naturally lose hydration and elasticity, leading to degeneration. Reduced cushioning between the vertebrae can cause chronic pain.
Spinal Stenosis
This occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis often leads to radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs or arms.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements can strain the muscles or sprain the ligaments in the back, leading to ongoing pain if not properly addressed.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis in the spine can cause chronic back pain by wearing down the cartilage between the joints, leading to inflammation and stiffness.
Spondylolisthesis
This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often due to instability caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease. This misalignment can cause chronic pain and limit mobility.
These conditions, among others, can lead to persistent discomfort that interferes with daily life. Consulting a spine specialist at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology can help identify the specific cause of your chronic back pain and guide you toward effective treatment options.
Signs That Your Back Pain May Require a Spine Specialist
While many cases of back pain resolve with conservative care, some situations demand the expertise of a spine specialist. Here are the key signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help:
Pain Lasting More Than a Few Weeks
If your back pain persists beyond a few weeks, it’s a red flag that something more serious may be happening. Acute back pain, often caused by muscle strains or minor injuries, usually resolves within a few days to two weeks with rest and home remedies. However, when pain lingers for four weeks or longer, it may indicate a more complex issue, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
Pain that doesn’t improve with time is a clear indication that you should see a spine specialist.
Radiating Pain
Back pain that radiates into other areas of the body is a common indicator of nerve involvement, often linked to conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis. When the nerves in the spine become compressed or irritated, pain can spread to the buttocks, hips, legs, or even down to the feet. This type of pain is typically described as sharp, burning, or tingling.
If you experience pain that travels beyond your back, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Severe Limitations in Mobility
Chronic back pain that restricts your ability to perform everyday activities, such as walking, sitting, or bending, should not be ignored. Limited mobility can indicate a more serious spine condition, such as a spinal fracture, spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips out of place), or severe disc degeneration.
When back pain interferes with your daily life—making it difficult to work, exercise, or even get out of bed—it’s time to see a spine specialist. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help restore your mobility and prevent further deterioration of your spine health.
Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your extremities may indicate nerve compression or damage. This could be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve root impingement. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they occur alongside back pain, it’s crucial to seek medical care from qualified professionals like our team.
Difficulty Controlling Bladder or Bowel Function
In rare but serious cases, back pain can be accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, a condition known as cauda equina syndrome. This occurs when the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine becomes severely compressed, leading to a medical emergency.
If you experience this symptom, go to the emergency room for immediate medical attention, as it requires urgent surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage to the spinal nerves.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is critical when it comes to treating chronic back pain. Many spine-related conditions worsen over time if left untreated, leading to increased pain, reduced mobility, and even irreversible nerve damage.
By seeking help from a spine specialist at the first signs of persistent back pain, you can:
- Prevent Further Damage
- Reduce Pain and Discomfort
- Improve Long-Term Outcomes
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including imaging and neurological assessments, to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it.
Chronic Back Pain Treatment Options
At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments designed to relieve chronic back pain and improve your overall spine health.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment and mobility of the spine. Misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, can contribute to chronic back pain by placing stress on surrounding muscles, nerves, and joints. Our chiropractors use spinal adjustments to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Chiropractic care is particularly effective for treating mechanical back pain, muscle strains, and certain types of nerve-related issues. It can also be used as part of a broader treatment plan in conjunction with physical therapy and other non-invasive techniques.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is particularly for chronic back pain related to muscle imbalances, poor posture, or injury recovery. Our licensed physical therapists work with patients to develop individualized exercise programs that focus on:
- Strengthening the core muscles that support the spine
- Improving flexibility and range of motion
- Enhancing balance and coordination to prevent future injuries
- Correcting posture and movement patterns that may contribute to back pain
Physical therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a post-surgical rehabilitation plan. Our goal is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and function while minimizing pain.
Injections for Pain Relief
For patients with nerve-related pain, such as sciatica or spinal stenosis, injections can provide significant relief. We offer several types of injections that target pain at its source, including:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These are used to reduce inflammation and swelling around irritated nerves in the spine, providing relief from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Facet Joint Injections: These injections are used to treat pain originating from the small joints in the spine, often caused by arthritis or degenerative changes.
- Nerve Blocks: These can temporarily block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief from severe or chronic pain.
Pain management injections are often part of a broader treatment plan and can provide relief while other therapies, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, take effect.
The Intracept Procedure (Advanced RFA)
One of the stand-out treatments we offer is the Intracept Procedure by Relievant Systems, a revolutionary advancement in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This minimally invasive uses radiofrequency energy to target the basivertebral nerve, which plays a key role in sending pain signals. Applying heat to the nerve helps block these signals, providing relief from chronic back pain.
Spinal Surgery
When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, spinal surgery may be necessary. At Apex, we specialize in minimally invasive spinal surgeries, which offer several benefits over traditional open surgery, including:
- Smaller Incisions
- Faster Recovery
- Reduced Scarring
Our spine specialists work with each patient to determine the best surgical approach for their specific condition.
Contact Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology Today
Chronic back pain can significantly impact your quality of life, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses the root cause of your pain.
We offer a full spectrum of treatments, from chiropractic care and physical therapy to minimally invasive spinal surgery. Don’t let chronic back pain control your life—contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free future.
We have locations in High Point, Raleigh, and Charlotte, NC as well as in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
