Back pain is a common cause of discomfort and most often develops from everyday activities like heavy lifting or standing for long periods of time. However, it may be a symptom of an underlying spinal condition. When you have chronic back pain and can’t get relief from traditional care, Louis Nkrumah, MD, PhD, at Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine in Lake Success, New York, can help. The esteemed neurosurgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain. Call the office or request an appointment online today.
About back pain.
Back pain refers to any discomfort in your back. It may range from a dull aching sensation to a sharp pain that radiates into your legs. Your pain may be acute, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, or chronic, lasting three or more months. Whether acute or chronic, if it affects your daily routine, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nkrumah.
What are common causes of back pain?
You may develop back pain if you have a job that requires heavy lifting or standing on your feet for long periods of time. Poor posture and lack of exercise may also cause symptoms.
Your back pain may be a symptom of an underlying problem that involves one or more of the components that make up your back, conditions such as:
- Strains or sprains
- Herniated disc
- Nerve compression
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative scoliosis
- Compression fractures
- Spinal metastasis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Sciatica
Finding the underlying cause of your pain helps Dr. Nkrumah create the most effective treatment plan.
What happens during a back pain evaluation?
When you visit Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine for an evaluation, you can expect a patient-focused exam. Dr. Nkrumah takes a well-rounded, thoughtful, and personalized approach to patient care.
He reviews your medical and family history and your symptoms. He also asks about your daily activities and work life to identify activities or injuries that may trigger your pain.
Dr. Nkrumah examines your spine, testing for range of motion and looking for areas of pain, swelling, and redness. He may also perform imaging tests such as a CT scan or X-rays. For patients with chronic back pain who fail to get relief from medical interventions, Dr. Nkrumah assesses your overall health to determine if spine surgery makes sense for you.
How is back pain treated?
Dr. Nkrumah will create an individual treatment plan based on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. Initially, he may recommend non-surgical interventions such as:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Activity modifcation
- Bracing
- Spine injections
If non-surgical treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, Dr. Nkrumah will speak with you about complex or minimally invasive surgical options. Bearing in mind your goals and your lifestyle, he will tailor a personalized plan to your needs.
To schedule a back pain consultation, call Nkrumah Neurosurgery & Spine at (631) 525-1420 or request an appointment online today.
