Back pain affects about 80% of adults in America at some point in their lives. If you’re struggling with back pain and need expert advice, see pain management specialist Kenneth Varley, MD, in Birmingham, Alabama. As the founder of Southern Pain Specialists, Dr. Varley offers extensive testing and treatment options to determine the exact cause of your back pain. To schedule a consultation, book an appointment online or call the office today.
Pain can occur in any of the anatomical structures in your back, although the two main causes are often mechanical and radicular pain. Mechanical pain comes from joints that are dysfunctional, meaning they don’t move properly or they’re deformed due to arthritic changes. Radicular pain is the result of nerve irritation or compression.
Common causes of back pain include:
Compression fractures in the spine may also be sources of pain for those with osteoporosis or a history of spinal trauma. If any of these conditions are left untreated, they may become progressive and cause permanent damage to your nerves or joints. Dr. Kenneth Varley works with you to identify the source of your pain and find an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover.
In addition to a comprehensive consultation and physical exam, Dr. Varley also provides advanced diagnostic procedures, such as:
Dr. Varley takes the time to truly understand your symptoms and explores every possible cause of your pain before determining your diagnosis. His exams are extremely thorough in order to identify the exact source of your pain and provide the best, most effective treatment Diagnostic imaging is available on site.
Dr. Varley recommends different treatment options for back pain depending on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. Conservative treatments for back pain include:
Dr. Varley may recommend an interventional pain management procedure if conservative therapies aren’t enough. Potential recommendations may include:
In most cases, these strategies can reduce the need for surgery and help you return to your normal activities.
Find out which treatment options can help with your back pain by calling the office or scheduling a visit with Southern Pain Specialists online now.
