Back pain can stem from various factors, including muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, osteoporosis, and poor posture. Injuries, heavy lifting, and sedentary lifestyles are also common contributors to back pain.

Preventing back pain involves maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly to strengthen the core muscles, practicing good posture, and avoiding heavy lifting or using proper lifting techniques. Ergonomic adjustments at work and ensuring a supportive sleep environment can also help.

Back pain symptoms can vary from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes movement difficult. It may also include stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain that radiates down the legs, often associated with conditions like sciatica.

Diagnosing back pain typically involves a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests help identify the underlying cause, such as herniated discs, fractures, or spinal stenosis.

Non-surgical treatments for back pain include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications. At Disc Centers of America Novi/Plymouth Novi/Plymouth, we offer gentle, non-invasive treatments like spinal decompression therapy to alleviate pain and restore spinal health.

Spinal decompression therapy involves gently stretching the spine to create negative pressure between the vertebrae. This helps reposition herniated or bulging discs, reducing pressure on the spinal nerves and alleviating pain. This non-surgical approach can provide significant relief without the need for invasive procedures.

You should see a doctor if your back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. If your pain results from an injury or if conservative treatments have not provided relief, seeking professional medical advice is crucial.