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Chronic back pain is among the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting up to 23% of adults worldwide. At DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics in Hinsdale, Illinois, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Kevin Koutsky, MD, and the team offer personalized treatment for back pain. They use a conservative, minimally invasive approach to help you return to your favorite activities without pain or mobility issues. Call DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.
Back Pain Q&A
Should I see a doctor about back pain?
Make an appointment at DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics if you experience back pain lasting a week or more that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. That’s especially true if your symptoms occur after a car accident, work injury, or a fall.
Most back pain isn’t serious, but it often worsens without treatment. Dr. Koutsky can identify the cause and speed up your body’s healing process.
What are common causes of back pain?
At DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics, Dr. Koutsky and the team treat back pain caused by various issues, including:
- Muscle and ligament strains
- Bulging (herniated) intervertebral discs
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Sports injuries
- Auto accidents
- Work injuries
Sometimes back pain occurs due to inflammatory conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis. Without treatment, this condition causes the bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse together.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon diagnose back pain?
Dr. Koutsky reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs and what it feels like. He also asks if it extends into other areas of your body, like your neck, shoulders, buttocks, or legs.
He asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 and completes a physical exam. He looks at your back for redness, bruising, and swelling, then gently presses on your spine and the surrounding skin to identify sensitive areas.
Dr. Koutsky asks you to sit, stand, and lift your legs one at a time. These assessments help him pinpoint the source of your discomfort and guide treatment. He orders X-rays or an MRI if he suspects an underlying medical condition, like a herniated disc or a vertebral fracture.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat back pain?
Dr. Koutsky and the DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics team treat back pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
- Muscle relaxants
- Topical pain relievers
- Antidepressants
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
You might benefit from surgery if your symptoms continue even after conservative treatments. Dr. Koutsky is affiliated with Elmhurst Hospital and offers minimally invasive and traditional open orthopaedic surgery.
Call DuPage Spine and Orthopaedics today to schedule treatment for back pain, or book your visit online.