SPINE

ORTHOPEDICS

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BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS

Dull, aching, soreness, or stiffness ranging anywhere from the neck to the tailbone, which may be localized or radiate down from the back to the legs.
Sharp or shooting pain when performing activities that suddenly makes your pain worse.
Muscle tension in your neck, shoulders, or back.
Muscle fatigue and muscle spasms.

AT-HOME REMEDIES TO REDUCE PAIN

Cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and rest may help with most causes of minor back pain and injuries.

TIPS TO POSSIBLY PREVENT BACK PAIN

Stretching before and after activities for strength, flexibility, and stress relief.
Improving your posture while sitting or standing.
If you sit at a desk for an extended period, take regular breaks, and sit with both feet on the floor and your shoulders back to avoid slouching.
Adjusting your sleeping position and using pillows can provide support and relief.
Strengthening your back and abdominal muscles, using the proper form to support your back.
Take regular breaks and change positions when performing tasks, such as cleaning, painting, and other hobbies.
When lifting heavy objects, lift using your legs rather than your back, and team lift.
Listening to your body and not overdoing it.

01

COMMONLY TREATED BACK PAIN ISSUES

Minor muscle or tendon strain
Herniated, slipped, or bulging disc (soft tissues in discs between spinal joints can press on the nerve root)
Painful fractures, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, neurological disorders, or another underlying cause
Sciatica (pain along the sciatic nerve)

02

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Increased pain during activities, such as bending, coughing, or general movements
Pain radiating down your legs
Numbness, weakness, or a tingling sensation in your back, groin, legs, or arms
Pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, unexplained weight loss or gain, history of cancer or physical trauma, or regular use of prescription medications that weaken the immune system.
Decreased control over bladder or bowels
Persistent acute pain or chronic pain that does not improve with home remedies

If your pain persists for more than 24-48 hours or increases, seek medical attention.

03

PROCESS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Your doctor will complete a physical exam. The physical examination will help pinpoint the location of the pain and assess for any signs of nerve damage.

THINGS TO BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR

Where does it hurt?
When do you find that it hurts the most?
Describe your pain. Is it acute, persistent, chronic/dull, or sharp?
When did you first notice the issue? (lifting, turning, etc.)
Was the onset immediate or gradual?
Have you experienced this pain before?

A WALK THROUGH YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY

The doctor will also go through your medical history to understand what could be the source of the pain and discuss recent illnesses and medications.

POTENTIAL TESTS FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may also perform blood or urine tests to look for signs of infection or kidney stones. Other tests may include X-rays to look for broken bones, an MRI or CT scan for soft-tissue damage, or an electromyogram to look for nerve/muscle damage, depending on the cause of the pain.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT PATHWAYS

Sometimes, doctors suggest physical therapy, stretching, massage, heat, low-impact exercises to strengthen muscles, or other forms of appropriate treatment to help relieve discomfort.

In addition, chiropractic, osteopathic, acupuncture, nerve stimulation, steroid injections, intradiscal electrothermal therapy, or radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty may also be options.

SOMETIMES, SURGERY IS THE BEST OPTION

Surgery may be an option depending on the severity, situation, and if all other treatments have failed.

Ultimately, the discussion between you and your doctor will determine the best course of action to eliminate or relieve your back pain. Treatment is not one size fits all, just as causes and symptoms aren’t. Seek advice and assistance from your medical professional.

SPINE CARE PROVIDERS

AUSTIN | DFW | HOUSTON | SAN ANTONIO

– Austin –

Robert Josey, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine

Practice Locations

207 West Ave E
Lampasas, TX 76550

4611 Guadalupe St,
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78751

715 Discovery Blvd,
Suite 102
Cedar Park, TX 78613

5329 Serene Hills Dr,
Suite 202
Austin, TX 78738

SPINE

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS

AT-HOME REMEDIES TO REDUCE PAIN

TIPS TO POSSIBLY PREVENT BACK PAIN

COMMONLY TREATED BACK PAIN ISSUES

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

PROCESS OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

THINGS TO BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR

A WALK THROUGH YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY

POTENTIAL TESTS FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT PATHWAYS

SOMETIMES, SURGERY IS THE BEST OPTION

SPINE CARE PROVIDERS

AUSTIN | DFW | HOUSTON | SAN ANTONIO

– Austin –

Robert Josey, MD

Practice Locations

Michael Moghimi, MD

Practice Locations

Scott Welsh, MD

Randal Dryer, MD

– Dallas/Fort Worth –

Michael Briseno, MD

Practice Locations

Brian J Gengler, MD

Practice Locations

Andrew Indresano, MD

Practice Locations

– Houston –

Kaku Barkoh, MD

Practice Locations

Imran Fayaz, MD

Practice Locations

Thomas Louis Jones, MD

Practice Locations

Vivek Kushwaha, MD

Roosevelt Offoha, MD

Practice Locations

Ra'Kerry Rahman, MD

Practice Locations

Jose Rodriguez-Cordova, MD

Navin Subramanian, MD

– San Antonio –

Adam Bruggeman, MD

Practice Locations

Guy Fogel, MD, FAAOS

Practice Locations

Ralph Z Garza, MD

Paul Geibel, MD

Practice Locations

Gerald Greenfield, MD

Practice Locations

Joel Jenne, MD

Ajeya Joshi, MD

Practice Locations

Frank Kuwamura III, MD

Practice Locations

Kevin Richardson, DO

Charles Pipkin III, MD

Practice Locations

David A Roberts, MD

Practice Locations

James Simmons, DO

Practice Locations

Charles Pipkin III, MD

Practice Locations

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