Atlanta Back Pain Relief Specialists & Doctors
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, lower back pain affects 7.5% of the global population, and as many as 19% of the population lives with chronic upper back pain.Â
Put simply, back pain is a pervasive, worldwide condition that many people struggle with each and every day.Â
The back pain specialists at Atlanta Innovative Medicine offer treatments for back pain and degenerative disc disease that can help alleviate suffering and increase your quality of life. Learn more below about back pain treatment in Atlanta, GA.Â
To receive your complimentary back pain consultation with our specialists, call 770.416.9995.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can vary depending on the location of the pain and the cause. Â
Upper and Middle Back Pain
Upper and middle back pain is pain that occurs anywhere from the base of the neck to the bottom of your rib cage. In this area of your backbone, you have 12 vertebrae, each connected to a pair of ribs. Discs lie between each vertebra, separating them and absorbing shock. Finally, ligaments and muscles hold your backbone together.
If you have upper or middle back pain in Atlanta, medical conditions or injuries could be the cause. Upper and middle back pain is not as common as lower back pain. Some of the symptoms associated with this type of back pain include:
- Burning or sharp pain
- Throbbing and achy pain
- Radiating pain along a nerve
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
One of the common causes that Atlanta patients experience in middle or upper back pain is a strain or sprain. For example, if you lift an object that is too heavy or lift it incorrectly, you can injure tendons or ligaments.
You may also have a disc issue. Discs can slip, causing them to bulge out and press on a nerve. If you have a disc that has torn or a herniated disc, the pain can be severe.
Arthritis can cause upper and middle back pain, as can fractures after an accident. Poor posture is another common cause of upper and middle back pain in Atlanta, GA.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain in Atlanta, GA, is extremely common. It can be the result of injuries, diseases, and other conditions. Lower back pain can range from mild to severe—even making walking and standing upright difficult.
Some people have a higher risk of developing lower back pain than others. People over 30 years of age develop this pain more often because the discs that cushion the vertebrae can wear out with time.
People who are overweight can put extra pressure on their joints, making pain more likely. Those with health conditions like arthritis or those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle can also develop lower back pain. If you have structural backbone issues, these can result in pain too.
The symptoms of lower back pain can appear suddenly or over time, depending on the cause of the pain. Some of the symptoms include the following:
- Pain that is achy
- Pain that is sharp
- Pain that radiates to your legs
- Pain that worsens in certain positions
- Pain that is alleviated when lying down
- Stiffness
- Posture issues
- Muscle spasms
Atlanta back pain specialists see many causes of lower back pain. Sprains and strains are the leading cause. A strain can happen when you lift something too heavy—or even if you cough, sneeze, or bend over in the wrong position.
Fractures from trauma can cause lower back pain, especially if you have an underlying condition like osteoporosis.
Disc issues, like torn or bulging discs, can cause severe lower back pain, as can anything that pinches a nerve on your backbone. Medical conditions like tumors, cancers, and infections can also cause pain.
To book your free back pain appointment with our experienced doctors, call 770.416.9995.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is not a disease but a condition that refers to a damaged disc in your backbone.
Discs absorb shock, and they sit between the vertebrae of your backbone. They help you stay flexible as your backbone moves in various directions.
A disc has two main parts—an outer layer and an inner layer. The annulus fibrosus (the outer layer) is firm and tough and contains nerves. The softer core of the disc (the inner layer) is called the nucleus pulposus, and it contains proteins. If these proteins come into contact with tissue, the tissue can swell, which leads to pain.
Some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease in Atlanta include:
- Pain that worsens when sitting
- Pain that is relieved when walking
- Pain that is relieved when changing positions
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Shooting nerve pain called sciatica that radiates down the leg
- Leg muscle weakness
- Foot drop
Our Atlanta degenerative disc disease specialists encounter various causes for this condition.
As you age, your discs can lose their natural lubricant and dry out, and not absorb shock as well, causing pain. Sports and other daily activities can also be a cause because they can tear the disc. Injuries and trauma can lead to immediate lower back pain.
For more information on our back pain treatment or to schedule a free consultation, call us now at 770.416.9995.
Atlanta Back Pain Treatments
At our back pain clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, we offer Sarapin for the treatment of upper, middle, and lower back pain as well as degenerative disc disease. Learn more about Sarapin.
What Is Sarapin?
Sarapin is an injectable analgesic that can help with muscular or neuropathic pain. Its main ingredient comes from the pitcher plant, and it has FDA approval for the treatment of back and neck pain. Â
How does Sarapin Treat Back Pain?
It works as a nerve-blocking medicine. Sarapin stops pain signals in your backbone, but unlike similar medications, it doesn’t affect other nerves or motor functions.
We provide this treatment via injections. It is an excellent option for people who have chronic pain for which other medications have had no positive effect.
Sarapin is not associated with any significant side effects and is not affected by heat or cold. It is an excellent medicine for reducing inflammation and is safe for most people suffering from chronic back pain of any type.Â
The best candidates for this treatment are patients who need to reduce inflammation in their back and who have not received relief from other medications, like cortisone. If you have certain blood conditions or cancers, you may not be a candidate for this treatment.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for this type or other back treatments we offer, call 770.416.9995.
Preparing for Atlanta Back Pain Treatment
The first step when preparing for back pain therapy in Atlanta, GA, is to schedule a consultation at our clinic. We will perform a thorough physical exam to ensure you are a good match for treatment. We work hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain so that the therapy we offer can be as effective as possible, personalized according to your unique condition.
We will ask for your full medical history, as well as a list of the medications and supplements you take. During this consultation, we encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have many questions about back pain and its treatments, and we are here to answer them.
Where Do You Go in Atlanta If Your Back Hurts?
Whether you have noticed a gradual or sudden pain in your back, you can turn to skilled back pain and degenerative disc disease doctors in Atlanta, Georgia, at Atlanta Innovative Medicine. We offer some of the latest treatments, always focusing on finding the exact cause of the pain to offer reliable treatments.
Why Does the Middle of My Back Hurt?
In most instances, the cause of middle back pain is strain. Many muscles in your middle back can become strained if you have poor posture, sit at a desk most of the day, or have tried to lift something too heavy or with improper lifting techniques. If you perform repetitive movements that affect your back, this can also be a cause of the pain.Â
There can be joint issues, too. A joint injury can occur from trauma, like after an accident, or from natural wear and tear over time. If you have a degenerative disease like arthritis, joint issues can also develop.Â
Another cause of middle back pain can be a problem with a vertebra. It can make your ribs hurt and can even make breathing painful. The treatment of middle back pain can be as simple as getting some rest, or it can involve medications and therapy.
What to Do If Your Back Hurts?
Take note of everything you feel and when you begin to feel it. Having clear records of the progression of the pain can make a difference when you reach out to a specialist. We recommend you make an appointment if you experience dull or sharp pain anywhere in your back or if you have trouble walking or standing up straight.Â
At our Atlanta back pain center, we can help you learn the cause of the pain. Of course, only by accurately identifying the cause of the underlying issues can we offer the best possible treatment.
Turn to the AIM Back Pain Specialists in Atlanta
Back pain can be excruciating and debilitating. It can interfere with your life and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. You don’t have to live with back pain, however. By turning to Atlanta back pain doctors like us, you can get the relief you need.
Call our experienced staff now to schedule your free consultation at 770.416.9995
