Back pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. It also is a common ailment, affecting roughly 84% of adults at some point in life. Treating back pain is notoriously difficult because of the many nerve endings running along the spine as well as the various causes of discomfort. Dr. Courtney Mote, DC and Julie Coleman, NP-C at Spectrum Healthcare in Cornelia, GA, recognize the complexities of treating back pain and how the condition varies for each individual. They say identifying the type of pain you’re experiencing is instrumental in developing a treatment plan.

Below, the pain management experts from Spectrum Healthcare share three common types of back pain that they indicate:

• Axial Pain: This back pain can be strong or dull and might occur in waves. Axial pain is commonly caused by muscular strain and often is diagnosed in athletes and physical laborers such as construction workers. Stretching, massage therapy, and strength-building exercises can reduce or eliminate axial pain.

• Referred Pain: This condition is defined as pain that is not localized at the exact point of injury and instead occurs in peripheral areas. Patients with referred back pain might experience discomfort in their lower back, hips, or legs that varies in intensity. This back pain can be the result of a degenerative disk but also might be caused by other conditions, including prostate problems or kidney stones. If you experience referred pain, contact a physician right away to determine the cause and best course of treatment.

• Radicular Pain: This deep, searing pain runs along the path of a spinal nerve to the arms or legs. The most common radicular pain is sciatica, and it often is caused by a herniated disk. This kind of pain is treated with measures such as therapeutic massage, stretching, and exercises. Medication will be prescribed in extreme cases. 

If you are seeking relief from any of these forms of back pain, call Spectrum Healthcare at (706) 778-0077 to schedule an appointment. For more information about their pain management solutions, visit their website.