Back Pain Specialist

What is back pain?

Back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world. It is the most common reason people miss work and need a visit to the doctor. The pain may be sharp and stabbing, burning, or feel like a muscle ache. Pain can travel down your back and into your legs.

Fortunately, you can relieve most back pain episodes at home within a few weeks, and in most cases, without surgical intervention.

What causes back pain?

Many people experience back pain without an identifiable cause, but common health conditions related to back pain include:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Ligament or muscle strain
• Ruptured or bulging disks

You’re more at risk for developing back pain if you are over age 30, a smoker, overweight, and don’t exercise often enough. You’re also more likely to experience back pain if you have depression or anxiety.

When should you see a doctor for back pain?

Most back pain episodes resolve at home over time with self-care and rest. You should schedule an appointment with the team at Brooklyn Pain Doctors when:

• Back pain lasts longer than a few weeks
• Pain is severe and isn’t improving with rest
• You’ve experienced unexplained weight loss
• You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
• Pain travels from the back, down one or both legs and extends below the knee

In extremely rare situations, back pain can signify a more serious medical issue. Go to the emergency room if your back pain is accompanied by fever, results from a fall or injury to your back, or causes bowel or bladder issues.

What is sciatica back pain?

The sciatic nerve travels from your lower back, hips, buttocks, and down the back of each leg. Sciatica back pain typically starts in your lower back and travels down one side of your body. Sciatica pain may be severe but almost always resolves without surgery within a few weeks. 

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica pain is usually the result of compression of the sciatic nerve by a herniated disc (the cushions that sit between the vertebrae of the spine), bone spur, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine). 

How is back pain treated?

With over-the-counter pain relievers and heat, most back pain resolves within a few weeks. While the providers at Brooklyn Pain Doctors do not recommend bed rest, it’s a good idea to reduce your activity level to tolerate the pain better. It's important to avoid activities that increase pain.

If your at-home back treatment isn’t reducing pain after a few weeks, schedule an appointment with the team at Brooklyn Pain Doctors. After reviewing your symptoms, X-rays, and other tests, Dr. Alhov and his team may prescribe pain medication, steroids, or physical therapy.

Call the practice, or book an appointment online today to get relief from your back pain.