Back Pain

Back pain is a common condition that could arise from a musculoskeletal injury or chronic disease. Rolandine Vaughan, PA-C, MPAS, and her caring team at Virtually Urgent Healthcare (VUH) in Dacula, Georgia, offer patients access to expert diagnosis and treatment of back pain using a secure telehealth platform. To find out more about this convenient way of receiving medical care, call VUH or book an appointment online today.

What causes back pain?

Back pain can arise from a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes include:

Injuries

Strained muscles frequently cause mild back pain, usually after overexertion. The muscles could also spasm, clenching painfully and limiting movement. Ligaments and tendons can stretch too far, causing injuries like whiplash. Poor posture, such as slumping over your desk, can also cause back pain.

Degenerative conditions

As you age, the structures in your spine deteriorate. The discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine get drier and flatter (degenerative disc disease). This makes them more vulnerable to bulging and herniation (where the soft core of the disc pushes through the outer layer). Arthritis sets in, inflaming the joints in your back and causing stiffness.

These problems lead to spinal stenosis, where the space in your spinal canal becomes restricted. Nerve compression results, causing moderate to severe back pain. Sciatica is a typical example, triggering pain in the lower back and down one leg when the sciatic nerve comes under pressure.

Internal disorders

Intense back pain is a symptom of kidney infections. You might also suffer back pain from gynecological conditions, such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods).

How is back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your back pain, your VUH provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. The more information you can give them, the better they can guide your treatment plan. For example, you might provide information on:

• How the pain started
• What makes it better or worse
• What part of your back is affected
• Whether the pain is constant or recurring
• What kind of pain you feel (sharp or dull)
• Whether the pain spreads into your arms or legs
• Other symptoms, such as vomiting or fever

Your provider may also ask you to make certain movements to see how the pain limits your mobility.

How is back pain treated through telehealth?

After making a diagnosis, your VUH provider can offer advice on how to look after your back. They may recommend rest, gentle exercises, ice and heat, and medications, such as painkillers and muscle relaxants. You might need antibiotics if you have an infection.

Sometimes back problems require further investigation. When necessary, your provider can refer you for diagnostic imaging procedures, including X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. They might also refer you to a physical therapist or chiropractor for back pain treatment.

To benefit from fast and convenient access to expert back pain care, call VUH or book a telehealth appointment online today.