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Board Certified, New York City Based, Osteopath Specializing in Spine, Pain and Sports Medicine

Back Pain

What Is Back Pain?

Any pain originating or manifesting in the region in the posterior portion of the body below the neck and above the folds of the buttocks can be considered back pain.

The spinal column and muscles of the back support the lower and upper body, as well as the head. Pain can emanate from the muscles, tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and/or skeletal structures of the spine. It is always important to use proper lifting techniques and take precautions when performing certain activities to reduce the risk of a possible back injury.

What Are Common Causes Of Back Pain?

There are many potential causes of back pain. Back pain can be traumatically induced from events such as a motor vehicle accident, lifting too heavy or with poor posture, slip and fall accidents, or from repetitive microtrauma such as sitting. Poor mechanical loading over an extended period, such as sitting for extended periods over many years. When the body performs an activity, the back acts either as a stabilizer, secondary mover, or prime mover to accomplish whatever activity is underway. With poor mechanics, too much resistance, excess activity or lack of activity, it can result in damage to the back. The injuries can occur slowly over time and often there is no specific precipitating event. Back pain can develop when you have a bulging or ruptured disk, torn muscle or ligament, spasm, osteoporosis, arthritis, or skeletal issues.

Back Pain Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of back pain can include:

  • Muscle ache
  • Shooting or stabbing pain
  • Pain down your leg
  • Pain when bending, lifting, standing or walking

Back Pain Risk Factors

Anyone can develop back pain, but these factors put you at greater risk:

  • Smoking
  • Psychological Conditions
  • Age
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Excess Weight
  • Improper Lifting

 

What Is Included In An Effective Back Pain Management Program?

An effective back pain management program includes several components that work together to relieve pain and discomfort, strengthen the body, and hasten the healing process. The type of back injury in question will determine what is included in the back pain management program. The first step is identifying the cause of the back pain and taking the measures needed to correct it. During this time, the doctor will be using pain management methods to help control the patient’s pain and discomfort. Osteopathic treatment, physical therapy and various other treatment options may be considered to help manage the patient’s pain during the recovery period.

When Is Back Pain Considered Chronic?

Back pain is considered chronic if it remains for longer than three consecutive months. Other types of pain may be considered chronic when pain is experienced beyond the usual duration of symptoms or for longer than expected with natural healing. Acute pain is an intense piercing pain that may last several hours, days, or weeks but at some point, it will diminish. Chronic pain is most often caused by an old injury that did not heal correctly or a chronic illness that is constantly causing some type of pain or discomfort. Arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, herniated discs, and pinched nerves can result in long-term chronic pain that continually worsens over time.

What If I Have Back Pain?

If you have back pain, see a pain specialist that knows all about the back.  Dr. Yasha Magyar is a double board-certified osteopathic doctor. He’s Board Certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation and Board Certified in Pain Medicine to cover all your pain needs. Don’t hesitate to contact Network Spine to help with your spinal pain issues.

 

Meet Dr. Yasha Magyar

Dr. Yasha Magyar of Network Spine serves patients who live in and around the New York City, New York area. Dr. Magyar provides state of the art interventional spine and sports medicine services to patients not just in New York but in other states and internationally as well. Dr. Magyar is Board Certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation. He is also Board Certified in Pain Medicine. The doctor and his staff offer state of the art diagnostics as well as treatment plans that include the latest technological advancements. He is fellowship trained in both minimally invasive spinal procedures and pain management. The doctor has written and illustrated several articles and publications concerning his areas of expertise. Learn More »

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