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Orthopedic Group, Inc |
Back Pain and Spinal Disorders Back pain is one of the most common complaints doctors hear from their patients today. This common malady, specifically lower back pain, contributes to missed days at work, reduced quality of life, and an inability to perform everyday activities, such as mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, or shoveling snow. Patients suffering from back pain should try conservative, noninvasive methods of treatment, such as R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), lower back exercises, physical therapy, or pain medications, before considering surgical intervention.
If these noninvasive means do not properly alleviate lower back pain, an orthopedic evaluation by one of the spine specialists at OGI can determine whether surgical intervention is necessary. Spine surgery today allows many patients to return to their active lifestyles in as little as three weeks. Schedule an appointment at one of OGI's conveniently located facilities in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Bristol, Lincoln, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Back PainBack pain is caused by a number of different pathologies and musculoskeletal conditions, including, but not limited to: lumbar strain, ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative osteoporosis. Because these ailments vary greatly in severity and degeneration, some instances may require back surgery, while others can be treated effectively using conservative methods.Find out about Physical Therapy at OGI » Common Sources of Back PainDegenerative Disc DiseaseDegenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain in young adults, affecting the strength of the discs that cushion the vertebral column. While DDD is called a “degenerative disease,” the painful symptoms are not progressive, and will often dissipate on their own as the body resettles the ruptured discs. At birth, vertebral discs are comprised of approximately 80% water, and as humans age, the discs lose their ability to retain water, making them less capable of performing their role as spinal shock absorbers. Additionally, the disc degeneration can cause micromotion instability in the spine as well as painful back spasms. Vertebral discs cannot regenerate and heal on their own as muscles do. Muscles have a rich supply of blood and oxygen, giving them the nutrients essential to revitalization and regeneration. Vertebral discs, in contrast, do not have a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen to support healing. Because of this, surgical intervention is often necessary if DDD is severely affecting the quality of life of the patient. Oftentimes, spinal fusion can alleviate the instability and pain associated with DDD. Learn about our spine surgeons, Dr. Cicerchia and Dr. Blazar » OsteoporosisOsteoporosis commonly affects post-menopausal women, with one out of three women over fifty suffering from symptoms of the debilitating disease. Osteoporosis causes significant pain, loss of bone strength, loss of height, as well as a rounded spinal curvature. Because of the brittleness of bones affected by osteoporosis, patients commonly experience compression fractures of the vertebrae. Spinal Stenosis Conservative Treatment for Spinal DisordersNoninvasive treatment methods for treating spinal disorders include corticosteoid injections, physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. If these methods do not properly alleviate pain, spinal surgery may be indicated. |
Pawtucket Office • 588 Pawtucket Ave. • Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860 • Toll Free: (800) 725-3037 • Tel: (401) 722-2400
Lincoln Office • 6 Blackstone Valley • Place Building 5, Suite 530 • Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865 • Tel: (401) 334-3700
Attleboro, MA Office • 16 Hillside Ave. • Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703 • Tel: (508) 222-4450
Bristol Office • 1180 Hope Street • Bristol, Rhode Island 02809 • Tel: (401) 722-2400