Chances are, at some point in your life, you will experience back pain. It’s one of the most common medical problems. Not only is back pain extremely common, but it can come in many different forms. Back pain can appear as a dull ache, sharp pain, or another sensation. It often accompanies certain movements, such as when you twist your torso, move your hips, or reach overhead.
Most Common Type & Cause of Back Pain
The most common type of back pain, by far, is nonspecific but intense low back pain. The cause of this type of back pain is very often muscle strain due to overuse or poor posture. The lower back region is particularly susceptible to injury because the weight of your entire upper body is supported by the five vertebrae (L1 through L5) in this area. Left untreated, a strained muscle in your back may become inflamed and ultimately make it difficult to bend, stand, or walk for any length of time.
Sharp Back Pain vs. Dull Back Ache
Generally speaking, sharp back pain indicates an acute injury – that is, one that has occurred suddenly and is felt intensely, such as a pulled muscle. It may also include muscle spasms. On the other hand, back pain that feels like a dull ache often indicates a chronic injury, such as arthritis, in which damage over time results in a recurring pain that comes and goes over time.
Possible Causes
Some of the most common causes of sharp back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Herniated disc or degenerative disc disease
- Pinched nerves (e.g., sciatica)
- Compression fractures
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord)
- Tendon issues (e.g., inflammation, tear)
Identifying the Cause of Your Sharp Back Pain
It’s almost impossible to properly diagnose yourself because back pain can result from so many different causes. It takes a medical professional experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain – like the doctors, chiropractors, and medical specialists at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine – to properly diagnose and subsequently treat back pain.
For example, back pain that feels hot, tingly, or like “pins and needles” may indicate nerve irritation or damage rather than muscle strain. If the pain appears to radiate to your limbs, it may indicate a spinal issue. A problem with the bones of the spine may feel deeper than back pain due to strained muscles.
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we have the training, experience, and specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, along with the extent and location of the damage. We also offer our patients a host of back pain treatments to choose from. Of course, your treatment will depend on the cause of your sharp back pain. Possible treatment options may include pain relievers, physical therapy, cortisone injections, spinal manipulation, laser therapy, dry needling, massage therapy, and more.
Back Pain Treatment in Dallas, TX
If you’re experiencing severe back pain that doesn’t improve with rest or is accompanied by worrisome signs or symptoms – such as numbness or tingling in the legs – contact the back pain specialists at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine in Dallas, Texas. Call us at (972) 503-7272 to schedule your visit or request an appointment now.
