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Back Pain

Back Pain services offered in the greater Pasadena, CA area

Back pain is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal discomfort, affecting eight of 10 people at some point during their life. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, the team offers integrative and minimally invasive treatments for back pain. After an exam, they can make recommendations to relieve your symptoms and help you return to your normal routine. Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule treatment for back pain, or book your appointment online. 

Back Pain Q & A

When should I see a chiropractor about back pain?

Most cases of back pain improve with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication, but if your symptoms continue for more than a week or interfere with your ability to work and exercise, seeking treatment is essential. That’s particularly true if your pain occurs alongside other symptoms, like difficulty walking. 

The team knows how to manage back pain without surgery. Their knowledge and expertise ensure lasting relief and positive treatment outcomes. 

What causes back pain?

At Health Advantage Physical Medicine, team members understand that back pain can be caused by various things, including:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • Bulging or ruptured intervertebral discs
  • Muscle and ligament strains
  • Sports injuries
  • General wear-and-tear

You might also benefit from treatment if you injure your back at work or as the result of a car accident.

How does a physical medicine specialist diagnose back pain?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities, like walking or driving. They have you rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 and check your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs.

These assessments help your practitioner determine the source of your pain and how it affects your mobility. X-rays may be needed if these tests don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis. X-rays check for herniated discs and spinal cord injuries, like fractures. 

How does a physical medicine specialist treat back pain?

At Health Advantage Physical Medicine, the team treats back pain using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

  • Chiropractic care
  • Dry needling
  • Corrective exercises
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Cold laser therapy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Spinal decompression
  • Functional medicine
  • Intravenous (IV) therapy
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

You might benefit from healthy lifestyle changes if you have mild back pain. For example, losing weight can relieve pressure on your vertebrae and intervertebral discs and improve your mobility. 

What can I do to prevent back pain?

The easiest way to prevent back pain is to keep your spine healthy and strong. Efforts like exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can yield big improvements. You should also practice good posture when sitting and standing to prevent general wear-and-tear. 

Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule a back pain consultation, or book your appointment online.