Humans rely on the spine for moving through daily life, with the back muscles involved in almost all of our movements. Bending and walking aren’t possible without spinal cord support, let alone being able to think or breathe. So, taking back pain seriously is important, especially to prevent further injury or overuse.
Among other services, the team at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care offers back pain treatment in New York. Learn why you might want to seek a back pain doctor in NYC here. Alternatively, chat with our highly qualified physicians, nurses, or physical therapists about how they can help you get back to health.
In 2020, the World Health Organization reported that almost 619 million people worldwide suffered from lower back pain, a population size that could have easily filled the United States almost twice over. Overall, back pain constitutes one of the most common reasons patients visit a doctor’s office.
Still, the reasons for the pain vary per person and may include the following:
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2016 that almost 37% of musculoskeletal disorders involved the back. With such a wide range of causes and possible disorders, the way we approach back pain treatment in New York involves first discovering why you’re in pain by finding the precise location.
These four spinal regions could reveal the problem:
The first seven vertebrae–the bones protecting your spinal cord–make up the cervical spine, from the base of your skull to your shoulders. They are C-1 to C-7.
The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae (T-1 to T-12) and contains important nerves, including ones to the heart, arms, and lungs.
Your body weight relies on support from the five lumbar vertebrae (L-1 to L-5). When pain specialists talk about exercising your deep core, it’s the muscles around your lumbar spine.
Finally, the sacral spine–or sacrum–includes five fused vertebrae (S-1 to S-5) connected to the tailbone, your coccyx. The nerves that travel through the sacrum connect to your sex organs, bowels, and thighs.
We will also look at the intervertebral discs of cartilage and pulpy tissues, which absorb shock to reduce the effects of injuries or impacts on the spine.
The spine’s three muscular layers are also a potential area that causes back pain.
Skin and fascia muscles comprise the superficial layer, helping move your neck, arms, and shoulders. The group includes the trapezius, rhomboid major and minor, and latissimus dorsi.
With the inferior and superior serratus posterior groups, the middle layer of muscles supports ribs, expanding as you breathe.
The deepest muscle layer lies closest to your spine, giving it support from top to bottom. These muscles include the erector spinae, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum.
Injuries to any one of these parts can cause back pain, such as:
We recommend not waiting at all. Seek medical care, even if your back pain feels mild. If it lasts for several days without improvement, it’s time to see a doctor.
Yes, there is a difference between acute and chronic back pain. Acute, or short-term, back pain may last a few days to several weeks. Chronic back pain lasts for 12 weeks or more and recurs even after treatments.
Sometimes, chronic back pain is just injury-related. Other times, it falls under a disability as defined by The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. Either way, it’s best to seek back pain treatment in New York to treat the cause.
Chat with Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care today for more about the common causes of lower back pain and solutions.
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care provides high-quality back pain treatment in New York. Our experts would be happy to take you through the common causes of lower back pain, your possible genetic predispositions to certain medical conditions, and more.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Don’t wait until your pain worsens; schedule a session with us at (646) 737-6524 for care in New York City!
