People experiencing back pain often have many questions regarding the causes of their pain, how to diagnose the problem, and how to treat the condition or injury. Below are several common questions and answers. If you have additional questions or would like to explore your specific situation more fully, please call the Spine Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital at 1-800-721-7989 today!

What causes back pain?

Lower back pain affects as many as 80 percent of adults at some point during their lifetime.  Anything from improper lifting to aging may cause back pain. Some of the common causes of back pain include:

• Stretched or strained muscles
• Injuries that damage the muscles, bones or tissue in the back
• Herniated (slipped) discs
• Osteoporosis
• Obesity or excess weight
• Poor posture
• Pregnancy

While back pain is common among adults, if your pain is severe or becomes more frequent, you should talk to your doctor.

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Should I see a doctor for my back pain? Individuals suffering even mild back pain should consult a doctor if they experience: Numbness or tingling Severe pain that does not improve with rest Pain after a fall or an injury Pain plus any of these problems: Trouble urinating Weakness Numbness in the legs Fever Weight loss when not on a diet

What risk factors are associated with back pain?

A number of factors can increase the risk of back pain including:

• Age
• Fitness
• Diet
• Heredity
• Race
• Other diseases
• Occupational risk factors
• Cigarette smoking

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How is back pain diagnosed? Most back pain can be conclusively diagnosed using one or more of four diagnostic tests, which can all be done at the premier Imaging Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital.  These include: Digital X-rays (which show problems like arthritis and bone disease) CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)  Myleogram

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What is an MRI and what will it diagnose?

We understand that some people have reservations about having an MRI, but it can be a pleasant experience. With your comfort in mind, the Imaging Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital offers the Oasis Open High Field MRI unit. This unit provides more room in the magnet and less noise during the exam, so it is easier to remain motionless during your procedure. The Oasis is truly an open, vertical field whole body magnet that allows you a 270 degree unobstructed view. What makes this scanner unique is that it is a High Field Scanner. High Field Systems provide the best image quality. The scanner is equipped with the latest High Field hardware and software technology. You won’t have to go into a “tube” anymore to get high resolution images. This feature will ease your mind and provide a more satisfying experience.

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If I am claustrophobic, are there any options besides a closed MRI to diagnose my symptoms?

At the Imaging Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital, we offer the Oasis Open High Field MRI Unit.   The Oasis is truly an open, vertical field whole body magnet that allows you a 270 degree unobstructed view. What makes this scanner unique is that it is a High Field Scanner. High Field Systems provide the best image quality. The scanner is equipped with the latest High Field hardware and software technology. You won’t have to go into a “tube” anymore to get high resolution images. This feature will ease your mind and provide a more satisfying experience.

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What is a CT scan?

The care and diagnosis of patients has significantly improved through the use of computed tomography (CT). The exam is a fairly quick and painless procedure. The CT scanner acquires images in just a matter of seconds while you are lying on the patient table. Using a series of X-rays, the CT scanner creates cross-sectional images, or ‘slices’ which are reconstructed by a computer to produce 3-D images. The result of these images is a picture with greater detail than a traditional X-ray, which can mean a more accurate interpretation and diagnosis from your physician.  At the Imaging Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital, you can rest comfortably while having this procedure because with your comfort in mind, we added a skylight directly above the patient table depicting peaceful palm trees amongst a clear blue sky.

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What is a myelogram?

A myelogram is a type of X-ray that uses a dye or contrast material and a special machine called a fluoroscope that takes moving X-rays and displays them on a monitor. Myelograms detect many spinal ailments, including:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Herniated discs (spinal discs that stick out beyond their normal area) that press on nerves
• Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the bones of the spine that is often caused by osteoarthritis)
• Spinal tumors and lesions

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What non-surgical treatments are commonly used to treat back pain? Fortunately, most back problems can be treated effectively without surgery.  Treatment options include: Anti-inflammatory medicine Limiting activity Physical therapy Pain medication as needed

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What types of back injuries or conditions may require surgery?

Some conditions or injuries require surgery. These conditions include:

• Compressed spinal cord
• Disk degeneration
• Fractures
• Herniated disc
• Infections or tumors
• Instability in the spine
• Severely pinched nerve
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the bones of the spine)
• Spinal deformity

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Surgery may also be recommended for those individuals who have symptoms of nerve damage.  These symptoms include:

• Pain radiating down the legs or arms
• Acute pain in the affected area
• Numbness
• Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

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What non-invasive/non-surgical procedures are available for back pain or injuries?

Today, interventional radiologists offer a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for spinal fractures. Vertebroplasty (pronounced ver-TEE-bro-plasty) may help reduce or eliminate the pain associated with spinal fractures. This treatment helps stabilize spinal factures caused by osteoporsis.

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What can I do to control my back pain?

Incorporating the following guidelines into your daily routine may help minimize back pain and promote a strong and healthy back and spine:

• Exercise regularly to keep the muscles in your back strong and flexible.
• Stretch before exercising to warm up your muscles.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for too long.
• Maintain your proper body weight as excess weight strains your back muscles.
• Use proper lifting and moving techniques.
• Get help if an object is heavy or an awkward size.
• Don’t twist when lifting.
• Avoid smoking.
• Use good posture when sitting or standing.

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